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紕 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
紕pīcarelessness; error, mistake; spoiled silkzg, 10 strokes, radical 糹
pī(pi1) T1
  1. 1carelessness; error, mistake; spoiled silk
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

紕pī(pi1)

The character 紕 (pī) refers to carelessness or mistakes, particularly in the context of tasks or activities where attention to detail is crucial. It can also denote spoiled silk, emphasizing the idea of something that has been ruined or rendered useless due to lack of care.

Strokes10Radical糹
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, especially in textiles, the quality of silk is paramount, and any mistake could result in a significant loss. The term 紕 reflects the cultural value placed on meticulousness and the high standards of workmanship.

Memory Tip

Imagine a careless tailor who accidentally ruins a beautiful piece of silk while sewing. The character 紕 looks like a piece of silk with a careless touch—notice how the top part resembles a flowing thread, and the bottom suggests something that has been mishandled.

Meanings of 紕

pī(pi1)
1carelessness; error, mistake; spoiled silk
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 紕

紕Simplified
10Strokes
糹Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 紕

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Podcast: 紕

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 紕

Usage Notes

While 紕 can describe a mistake, it is often used in formal contexts, so be careful not to use it in casual conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to errors in judgment or oversight. Remember to pronounce it with the correct tone (first tone) to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

Though 紕 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can enhance your understanding of error-related terms. Focus on how it contrasts with other words describing precision or care, like 小心 (xiǎoxīn, careful) and 注意 (zhùyì, to pay attention).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 紕 with similar characters like 疲 (pí, tired) or 皮 (pí, skin), leading to mispronunciation or misunderstanding. Always remember that 紕 focuses on carelessness rather than physical states or objects.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 紕

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Etymology of 紕

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 比 represents the sound. Simplified form of 紕.

Memory Hint

silk

Semantic (meaning)糹
+
Phonetic (sound)比
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 紕

Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 比 represents the sound. Simplified form of 紕.

  1. 1The meaning half糹 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half比 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaysilk
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 紕? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 紕?

Decomposition of 紕

IDS Structure⿰糹比
紕Full Character
=
糹si1
left
比Bi3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 紕?

How to say carelessness; error, mistake; spoiled silk in Chinese

“carelessness; error, mistake; spoiled silk” in Chinese is紕pī

The character 紕 (pī) refers to carelessness or mistakes, particularly in the context of tasks or activities where attention to detail is crucial. It can also denote spoiled silk, emphasizing the idea of something that has been ruined or rendered useless due to lack of care.

When to use 紕

While 紕 can describe a mistake, it is often used in formal contexts, so be careful not to use it in casual conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to errors in judgment or oversight. Remember to pronounce it with the correct tone (first tone) to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 紕 with similar characters like 疲 (pí, tired) or 皮 (pí, skin), leading to mispronunciation or misunderstanding. Always remember that 紕 focuses on carelessness rather than physical states or objects.

Write 紕

紕

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 紕

Words Containing This Character2
纰漏slip-up紕漏
纰pīerror紕
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 纰漏 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 紕

No, 紕 is more formal and is typically used in written contexts or discussions about craftsmanship.

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