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痣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
痣zhìspot, mole, birthmarkn, 12 strokes, radical 疒, rank #9438, Very Hard
zhì(zhi4)zhi T4
  1. 1spot, mole, birthmark
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March 24, 2026

痣zhì(zhi4)

The character 痣 (zhì) refers to a spot, mole, or birthmark on the skin. It is commonly used in medical contexts or when discussing personal appearance, especially when describing skin features that are often benign and natural. In some cultures, certain moles are believed to carry specific meanings or omens.

Strokes12Radical疒Frequency#9438DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, certain moles or birthmarks are often associated with fate or personality traits, and may be considered in fortune-telling practices. This belief highlights the cultural significance of physical appearance.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'mole' (zhì) that has a distinct shape, resembling a tiny 'spot' on the skin. Picture a birthmark in the shape of a 'Z' to help remember both the pronunciation and the visual aspect of the character. The radical 疒 (sickness) hints at its medical context.

Meanings of 痣

zhì(zhi4)
1spot, mole, birthmark
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 痣

痣Simplified
12Strokes
疒Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 痣

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Podcast: 痣

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AI study notes for 痣

Usage Notes

Be mindful of using 痣 in informal conversations about personal attributes, as it can be seen as sensitive. Common collocations include 'birthmark' (胎痣) and 'mole' (黑痣). Ensure to use the correct tone; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstanding.

HSK Study Tips

Although 痣 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other body-related vocabulary, such as 皮肤 (skin) and 疾病 (disease) at HSK Level 3. Focus on pronunciation and related vocabulary to expand your understanding of body descriptors.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 痣 with 斑 (bān), which means 'spot' in a broader sense, including spots that may not be moles. Remember, 痣 specifically refers to moles or birthmarks.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 痣

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Etymology of 痣

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory hint

The mark 志 of an illness 疒; 志 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 痣?

Decomposition of 痣

IDS Structure⿸疒志
痣Full character
=
疒ne4
enclosing
志zhi4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 痣?

How to say spot, mole, birthmark in Chinese

“spot, mole, birthmark” in Chinese is痣zhì

The character 痣 (zhì) refers to a spot, mole, or birthmark on the skin. It is commonly used in medical contexts or when discussing personal appearance, especially when describing skin features that are often benign and natural. In some cultures, certain moles are believed to carry specific meanings or omens.

When to use 痣

Be mindful of using 痣 in informal conversations about personal attributes, as it can be seen as sensitive. Common collocations include 'birthmark' (胎痣) and 'mole' (黑痣). Ensure to use the correct tone; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstanding.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 痣 with 斑 (bān), which means 'spot' in a broader sense, including spots that may not be moles. Remember, 痣 specifically refers to moles or birthmarks.

Write 痣

痣

Practice writing 痣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 痣

痣 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

同样, 凡是经常受慢性刺激的各种色素____切勿予以切除.

Similarly, any pigment nevus that is chronically irritated should be excised.

Example sentences for 痣 (1)

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1
同样, 凡是经常受慢性刺激的各种色素痣切勿予以切除.

tóngyàng, fánshì jīngcháng shòu mànxìng cìjī de gèzhǒng sè sù zhì qiē wù yǔyǐ qiēchú.

Similarly, any pigment nevus that is chronically irritated should be excised.

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Word Family of 痣

Words containing this character4
痣zhìmole
黑痣mole
蜘蛛痣arterial spider
毛痣hairy nevus
Exercise 1 of 3

Words with 痣

What does 黑痣 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 痣

No, 痣 typically refers to benign spots on the skin, such as moles or birthmarks, and is not inherently negative.

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