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綹 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
綹liǔskein; tuft, lock; wrinklex, 14 strokes, radical 糹
liǔ(liu3) T3
  1. 1skein; tuft, lock; wrinkle
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

綹liǔ(liu3)

The character 綹 (liǔ) refers to a skein or a tuft, often related to threads or fibers. It can also mean a lock of hair or a wrinkle, indicating a line or fold in a surface. This word is commonly used in contexts involving textiles or hair, and it conveys a sense of something being intertwined or gathered.

Strokes14Radical糹
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of hair and its presentation has significant importance, often symbolizing beauty and status. The character 綹 can evoke traditional practices where hair was styled in intricate ways, showcasing craftsmanship.

Memory Tip

Imagine a beautiful skein of colorful yarn twisted together, representing the character 綹. The character's components suggest intertwining threads, with the '糸' radical hinting at its textile connection. You can think of 'liǔ' as 'loose yarn' that needs to be tied up.

Meanings of 綹

liǔ(liu3)
1skein; tuft, lock; wrinkle
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 綹

綹Simplified
14Strokes
糹Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 綹

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Podcast: 綹

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AI Study Notes for 綹

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 綹 with similar characters related to fabric or hair, so it is essential to pay attention to context. This word is more commonly used in literary or descriptive contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing 'liǔ' can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While this word is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners at higher levels who are studying textiles or literature. Focus on the character's radicals and related words, such as those for fabric (布) and hair (发), to build vocabulary connections.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is confusing 綹 with 維 (wéi), which means to maintain or tie, leading to incorrect usage in contexts involving fabric. For example, saying 綹织 (liǔ zhī) instead of the correct term 織 (zhī) for weaving.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 綹

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Etymology of 綹

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A wrinkle 咎 in a silk 糹 garment; 糹 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 綹

  1. 1The giveawayA wrinkle 咎 in a silk 糹 garment; 糹 also provides the pronunciation
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

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

Want the full history of 綹? 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 綹?

Decomposition of 綹

IDS Structure⿰糹咎
綹Full Character
=
糹si1
left
咎jiu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 綹?

How to say skein; tuft, lock; wrinkle in Chinese

“skein; tuft, lock; wrinkle” in Chinese is綹liǔ

The character 綹 (liǔ) refers to a skein or a tuft, often related to threads or fibers. It can also mean a lock of hair or a wrinkle, indicating a line or fold in a surface. This word is commonly used in contexts involving textiles or hair, and it conveys a sense of something being intertwined or gathered.

When to use 綹

Learners often confuse 綹 with similar characters related to fabric or hair, so it is essential to pay attention to context. This word is more commonly used in literary or descriptive contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing 'liǔ' can lead to misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is confusing 綹 with 維 (wéi), which means to maintain or tie, leading to incorrect usage in contexts involving fabric. For example, saying 綹织 (liǔ zhī) instead of the correct term 織 (zhī) for weaving.

Write 綹

綹

Practice writing 綹 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 綹

Words Containing This Character1
绺liǔskein綹
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 绺 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 綹

The correct pronunciation is 'liǔ' with a falling-rising tone.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 綹?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.