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March 24, 2026
窸xī(xi1)
The character 窸 (xī) refers to a faint noise or whispering sound, often associated with subtle or secretive communication. It can also imply a disturbing or disruptive noise that is not loud but still noticeable in a quiet environment.
Strokes16Radical穴Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, whispering or speaking quietly can signify respect or secrecy, especially in settings where discretion is valued, such as in traditional Chinese tea ceremonies or during solemn occasions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny mouse (the radical 窗 meaning window) whispering secrets through a little opening. The sound is so faint that it's almost like a 'shh' (pronounced 'xī') that you can barely hear, but it's enough to catch your attention.
Meanings of 窸
xī(xi1)
1whisper, faint noise
2disturbing noises
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 窸
窸Simplified
16Strokes
穴Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 窸
Podcast: 窸
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AI Study Notes for 窸
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny mouse (the radical 窗 meaning window) whispering secrets through a little opening. The sound is so faint that it's almost like a 'shh' (pronounced 'xī') that you can barely hear, but it's enough to catch your attention.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of using 窸 in informal contexts, as it often conveys a sense of secrecy or quietness. It is commonly used in phrases like 窸窸窣窣 (xīxīsūsū), which describes the sound of rustling leaves or whispers. Avoid confusing it with louder noises.
HSK Study Tips
While 窸 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to other words describing sounds or actions within the realm of communication. Focus on understanding its usage in contrast to louder sound words as part of your auditory vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, whispering or speaking quietly can signify respect or secrecy, especially in settings where discretion is valued, such as in traditional Chinese tea ceremonies or during solemn occasions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 窸 with louder sound characters, using it in contexts where a stronger noise is intended. For example, saying '他在窸窸喧哗' (tā zài xīxī xuānhuá) is incorrect; '喧哗' (xuānhuá) implies loud noise, which conflicts with the meaning of 窸.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 窸
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Grammar Patterns of 窸
窸 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
玛丽亚穿一袭白色节裙，一动裙子就____窣作响。
Maria wore a layered white dress that rustled when she moved.
Maria wore a layered white dress that rustled when she moved.
2
一些小东西在帐篷四周的草丛里窸窸窣窣地动着。
yī xiē xiǎo dōng xī zài zhàng péng sì zhōu de cǎo cóng lǐ xī xī sū sū dì dòng zháo。
Small things stirred in the grass around the tent.
3
他能听见门那边的低语声和窸窸窣窣的走动声。
tā néng tīng jiàn mén nà biān de dī yǔ shēng hé xī xī sū sū de zǒu dòng shēng。
He could hear whispering and scuffling on the other side of the door.
Cultural Notes for 窸
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, whispering or speaking quietly can signify respect or secrecy, especially in settings where discretion is valued, such as in traditional Chinese tea ceremonies or during solemn occasions.
Word Family of 窸
Words Containing This Character1
窸xīdisturbing noises
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 窸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 窸
The pronunciation is 'xī', similar to the 'she' in 'sheep' but with a higher tone.
It's generally more informal and might not be suitable for formal contexts where clear and direct communication is preferred.
Common phrases include 窸窸窣窣, which describes the sound of quiet rustling.
