Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
皻cǔ(cu3)
The character 皻 (cǔ) refers to skin conditions such as pimples or blotches. It can describe issues like chapped skin or rosacea, often used in medical contexts or discussions about skin health. This character conveys a sense of irritation or blemish on the skin, highlighting its visual and tactile qualities.
Strokes16Radical皮Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions are often linked to internal imbalances, such as heat or dampness in the body. The character 皻 relates to this perspective, emphasizing the importance of skin health in overall well-being.
Memory Tip
Imagine a face with several red blotches, resembling pockmarks or pimples. The character 皻 has a '皿' (dish) component, suggesting that the skin is like a dish that has become marred by unsightly blemishes. You can remember the pronunciation 'cǔ' by associating it with 'sore' sounds like 'cure' for a skin condition.
Meanings of 皻
cǔ(cu3)
primary
1pimples, blotches
2chapped skin
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 皻
皻Simplified
16Strokes
皮Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 皻
Podcast: 皻
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 皻
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a face with several red blotches, resembling pockmarks or pimples. The character 皻 has a '皿' (dish) component, suggesting that the skin is like a dish that has become marred by unsightly blemishes. You can remember the pronunciation 'cǔ' by associating it with 'sore' sounds like 'cure' for a skin condition.
Usage Notes
皻 is quite rare in everyday language and is typically used in medical texts or discussions. A common mistake is using it interchangeably with more frequent terms like 痘 (dòu) for acne; however, 皻 has a more specific meaning related to skin conditions. It's largely formal, so it's best suited for clinical or descriptive contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Since 皻 is not commonly included in HSK vocabulary lists, learners at the beginner levels should focus on more frequently used characters related to health and skin, like 病 (bìng) for illness. Understanding this character can enhance your vocabulary related to dermatology and health descriptions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions are often linked to internal imbalances, such as heat or dampness in the body. The character 皻 relates to this perspective, emphasizing the importance of skin health in overall well-being.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 皻 with more common characters like 痘 (dòu) and use it incorrectly in casual conversations about skin, such as saying '我有皻' (wǒ yǒu cǔ) instead of '我有痘' (wǒ yǒu dòu) for 'I have acne.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 皻
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 皻 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 皻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 皻
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions are often linked to internal imbalances, such as heat or dampness in the body. The character 皻 relates to this perspective, emphasizing the importance of skin health in overall well-being.
Word Family of 皻
Words Containing This Character1
皻cǔrosacea
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 皻 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 皻
No, 皻 is rarely used in everyday speech and is more commonly found in medical contexts.
Synonyms include 痘 (dòu) for acne and 斑 (bān) for spots.
