HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 瓦, rank #22118, Hard
瓷
cí
porcelain
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 瓦, rank #22118, Hard
瓷
cí
china
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 瓦, rank #22118, Hard
瓷
cí
china, crockery, porcelain
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 瓦, rank #22118, Hard
cí(ci2) T2
1chinaware
2porcelain
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
瓷cí(ci2)
瓷 (cí) refers to porcelain, a type of ceramic that is known for its durability, strength, and often intricate designs. Commonly used in dishes, vases, and decorative items, porcelain has a significant place in Chinese culture, symbolizing refinement and artistry.
Strokes10Radical瓦Frequency#22118DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Porcelain has a long history in China, often referred to as 'china' in the West, and it played a crucial role in trade along the Silk Road. The invention of porcelain during the Tang Dynasty is celebrated as a significant cultural achievement.
Memory Tip
Think of 瓷 (cí) as a 'ceramic sea' (瓷 sounds like 'sea') where beautiful porcelain floats. The radical 瓦 (wǎ), meaning 'tile' or 'roof tile,' hints at the material's ceramic nature, while the entire character suggests delicate craftsmanship.
Meanings of 瓷
cí(ci2)
1chinaware
2porcelain
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 瓷
瓷Simplified
10Strokes
瓦Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#22118Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 瓷
Podcast: 瓷
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AI Study Notes for 瓷
Quick Contrast
陶 (táo) refers to pottery, which is generally less refined than porcelain; 瓷 (cí) is specifically for porcelain.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 瓷 (cí) as a 'ceramic sea' (瓷 sounds like 'sea') where beautiful porcelain floats. The radical 瓦 (wǎ), meaning 'tile' or 'roof tile,' hints at the material's ceramic nature, while the entire character suggests delicate craftsmanship.
Usage Notes
Students often confuse 瓷 with 陶 (táo), which means pottery. While both refer to ceramics, 瓷 specifically denotes porcelain, which is typically more refined. This term is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions about art or dining.
HSK Study Tips
Although 瓷 is not currently listed in the HSK levels, understanding it can enrich vocabulary related to art and culture. Students should focus on its usage in phrases like 瓷器 (cíqì, porcelain ware) and how it connects with other ceramic-related terms.
Cultural Note
Porcelain has a long history in China, often referred to as 'china' in the West, and it played a crucial role in trade along the Silk Road. The invention of porcelain during the Tang Dynasty is celebrated as a significant cultural achievement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 瓷 as 'tí' instead of 'cí'. Additionally, they might confuse it with the term for earthenware, using it incorrectly in contexts discussing traditional pottery.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瓷
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Grammar Patterns of 瓷
瓷 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 4 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
玛丽女王开启了青花____在英格兰的流行风尚。
Queen Mary started the fashion for blue and white china in England.
Example Sentences for 瓷 (10)
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1
玛丽女王开启了青花瓷在英格兰的流行风尚。
mǎ lì nǚ wáng kāi qǐ le qīng huā cí zài yīng gé lán de liú háng fēng shàng。
Queen Mary started the fashion for blue and white china in England.
Exquisite china soup dishes reposed on silver plates.
9
这种瓷器蓝中带绿.
zhè zhǒng cí qì lán zhōng dài lǜ.
The pottery is blue with a greenish hue.
10
脱落搪瓷的碗
tuō luò táng cí de wǎn
a chipped enamel bowl
Cultural Notes for 瓷
🏮Cultural insight
Porcelain has a long history in China, often referred to as 'china' in the West, and it played a crucial role in trade along the Silk Road. The invention of porcelain during the Tang Dynasty is celebrated as a significant cultural achievement.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, porcelain is often seen as a luxury item, whereas in China, it is a staple of daily life and traditional ceremonies.
Word Family of 瓷
Words Containing This Character11
陶瓷táocíceramics
瓷器cíqìchinaware
瓷砖ceramic tile瓷磚
瓷cíchinaware
搪瓷enamel
瓷瓶porcelain bottle
青瓷celadon (pottery)
碰瓷(coll.) to scam sb by setting up an "accident" in which one appears to have sustained damage or injury caused by the scam victim, then demanding compensation (variations include putting "expensive" porcelain in a place where it is likely to be knocked ove
青花瓷blue and white porcelain
陶瓷器pottery
瓷实robust瓷實
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 陶瓷 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瓷
It is pronounced as 'cí' with a rising tone.
瓷 refers specifically to porcelain, while 陶 refers to pottery, which is generally coarser and less refined.
Yes, 瓷 is commonly used when discussing tableware or gifts, especially in cultural contexts.
