HSK 4, a, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #5129, Medium
细
xì
finely particulate
HSK 4, a, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #5129, Medium
细
xì
thin and soft
HSK 4, a, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #5129, Medium
细
xì
fine
HSK 4, a, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #5129, Medium
细
xì
delicate
HSK 4, a, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #5129, Medium
细
xì
trifling
HSK 4, a, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #5129, Medium
细
xì
(of a sound) quiet
HSK 4, a, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #5129, Medium
细
xì
frugal
HSK 4, a, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #5129, Medium
细
xì
fine, detailed; slender, thin
HSK 4, a, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #5129, Medium
xì(xi4) T4
1thin or slender
2finely particulate
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March 24, 2026
细(細)xì(xi4)
The character 细 (xì) primarily means 'thin' or 'slender,' often used to describe physical characteristics or textures. It can also refer to something that is fine or detailed, such as finely particulate substances or delicate items. In certain contexts, it can imply frugality or triviality.
Strokes8Radical纟Frequency#5129DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of细 (fine or delicate) is often associated with traditional craftsmanship, such as fine silk production, which is highly valued. This reflects the cultural appreciation for detail and quality in art and everyday objects.
Memory Tip
Imagine a thin thread that is so fine it can barely be seen. The character 细 has a 'silk' radical (丝) at the top, suggesting delicacy, while the bottom part (七) resembles a narrow line. Visualize this fine thread being carefully handled to remember that 细 means thin or fine.
Meanings of 细
xì(xi4)
1thin or slender
2finely particulate
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 细
细Simplified
細Traditional
8Strokes
纟Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#5129Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 细
Podcast: 细
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AI Study Notes for 细
Quick Contrast
细 (xì) vs 精 (jīng) — use 细 for descriptions of thinness or fineness in texture, while 精 refers to precision or refinement in quality.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 细 is often used in descriptive contexts, so pairing it with nouns is common, such as 细节 (details) or 细胞 (cells). A common mistake is to confuse it with the character 粗 (cū), which means 'thick.' Remember that 细 is more about finesse and delicacy.
HSK Study Tips
While 细 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is relevant for learners around HSK 3-4, as it connects with adjectives describing size and quality. Students should focus on its use in conjunction with other characters, particularly in descriptive phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 细 to describe something that is large or bulky, as in saying '这个房子很细' (This house is very thin), which should be corrected to '这个房子很大' (This house is very big). Another mistake is using it inappropriately with non-physical attributes, like calling a loud noise 细 (thin), which is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 细
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Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 田 represents the sound. Simplified form of 細.
1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
2The sound half田 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaysilk
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 细? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 细?
Decomposition of 细
IDS Structure⿰纟田
细Full Character
=
纟si1
left
田Tian2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 细?
How to say thin or slender in Chinese
“thin or slender” in Chinese is细xì
The character 细 (xì) primarily means 'thin' or 'slender,' often used to describe physical characteristics or textures. It can also refer to something that is fine or detailed, such as finely particulate substances or delicate items. In certain contexts, it can imply frugality or triviality.
When to use 细
Be mindful that 细 is often used in descriptive contexts, so pairing it with nouns is common, such as 细节 (details) or 细胞 (cells). A common mistake is to confuse it with the character 粗 (cū), which means 'thick.' Remember that 细 is more about finesse and delicacy.
细 or something close to it
细 (xì) vs 精 (jīng) — use 细 for descriptions of thinness or fineness in texture, while 精 refers to precision or refinement in quality.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 细 to describe something that is large or bulky, as in saying '这个房子很细' (This house is very thin), which should be corrected to '这个房子很大' (This house is very big). Another mistake is using it inappropriately with non-physical attributes, like calling a loud noise 细 (thin), which is incorrect.
Write 细
细
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Practice writing 细 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 细
细 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Yes, 细 is commonly used in phrases like '细心' (xìxīn), which means careful or attentive. Another example is '细致' (xìzhì), meaning meticulous or detailed. These phrases highlight the character's connotations of delicacy and attention to detail.
Some synonyms for 细 include '瘦' (shòu), which emphasizes thinness, and '精细' (jīngxì), which focuses on fineness or precision. Depending on the context, you might choose different words to convey specific nuances.
细 (xì) means thin or slender. It can also refer to something finely particulate, delicate, or trifling. This character is often used to describe physical attributes as well as nuanced qualities.
You can use 细 to describe something that is thin or delicate. For example, you might say '这条裙子很细' (Zhè tiáo qúnzi hěn xì), which means 'This dress is very thin.' It can also be used in contexts like '细节' (xìjié), meaning 'details.'
细 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often appears in more descriptive or technical discussions.
Common phrases include 细节 (details) and 细心 (careful or attentive), which highlight its descriptive nature.
While 细 typically describes physical attributes or objects, it can also be used metaphorically, such as in 细腻 (delicate or subtle) to describe emotions.
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