unknown, 13 strokes, radical 王, rank #28906, Very Hard
瑕
xiá
flaw in jade
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 王, rank #28906, Very Hard
xiá(xia2) T2
1fault, default; a flaw in a gem
2blemish
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March 24, 2026
瑕xiá(xia2)
The character 瑕 (xiá) refers to a fault or blemish, particularly in precious stones like jade or gems. It is often used metaphorically to describe imperfections in character or behavior, indicating that everyone has some flaws.
Strokes13Radical王Frequency#28906DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, jade is highly valued, and the quality of jade can significantly impact its worth. The concept of 瑕 reflects the importance placed on perfection and the appreciation of beauty, even with minor flaws.
Memory Tip
Imagine a beautiful jewel, but with a tiny flaw in it. The character 瑕 resembles a jewel (石, shí) with a small mark (亥, hài) on it, reminding you that even the most precious things can have small imperfections. The pronunciation 'xiá' can be linked to the word 'scar', both suggestive of flaws.
Meanings of 瑕
xiá(xia2)
1fault, default; a flaw in a gem
2blemish
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 瑕
瑕Simplified
13Strokes
王Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 瑕
Podcast: 瑕
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AI Study Notes for 瑕
Quick Contrast
瑕 (blemish) vs 疵 (defect) — use 瑕 when referring to minor flaws or imperfections, especially in a metaphorical sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a beautiful jewel, but with a tiny flaw in it. The character 瑕 resembles a jewel (石, shí) with a small mark (亥, hài) on it, reminding you that even the most precious things can have small imperfections. The pronunciation 'xiá' can be linked to the word 'scar', both suggestive of flaws.
Usage Notes
瑕 is typically used in formal contexts or literary language, so it may not be commonly heard in everyday conversations. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with '缺' (quē), which means 'lack' or 'deficiency'. Common collocations include '瑕疵' (xiácī, defect) and '瑕疵产品' (xiácī chǎnpǐn, defective product).
HSK Study Tips
瑕 is not included in the standard HSK vocabulary but can be beneficial for learners aiming for higher proficiency. Focus on recognizing it in reading materials that discuss art, jewelry, or personal character. It connects with other words that express faults or defects, such as '错' (cuò, mistake) or '缺' (quē, lack).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, jade is highly valued, and the quality of jade can significantly impact its worth. The concept of 瑕 reflects the importance placed on perfection and the appreciation of beauty, even with minor flaws.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 瑕 with other words for flaw or mistake, such as 错 (cuò). For example, saying '他有瑕的个性' (Tā yǒu xiá de gèxìng) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '他有缺点' (Tā yǒu quēdiǎn), meaning 'He has shortcomings'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瑕
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Grammar Patterns of 瑕
瑕 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
虽然有一些____疵，演出还是一举获得了成功。
The show, despite some rough edges, was an instant success.
Example Sentences for 瑕 (6)
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1
虽然有一些瑕疵，演出还是一举获得了成功。
suī rán yǒu yī xiē xiá cī， ， yǎn chū huán shì yī jǔ huò dé le chéng。
The show, despite some rough edges, was an instant success.
Sorting - machine rejects all defective specimens.
Cultural Notes for 瑕
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, jade is highly valued, and the quality of jade can significantly impact its worth. The concept of 瑕 reflects the importance placed on perfection and the appreciation of beauty, even with minor flaws.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the idea of imperfection is often embraced as part of authenticity, while in Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on striving for perfection, particularly in art and personal conduct.
Word Family of 瑕
Words Containing This Character8
瑕疵blemish
无瑕faultless無瑕
瑕xiáblemish
完美无瑕flawless完美無瑕
瑕不掩瑜the pros outweigh the cons (idiom)
白璧无瑕impeccable moral integrity白璧無瑕
白璧微瑕a slight blemish
瑕玷blemish
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 瑕疵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瑕
瑕 is more commonly used in literary contexts, but when speaking about art or character, it can refer to flaws.
Yes, a common synonym is 瑕疵 (xiácī), which directly translates to 'defect'.
You can say: '这块玉有瑕' (Zhè kuài yù yǒu xiá), meaning 'This piece of jade has a flaw'.
