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罅 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
罅xiàcrack, fissure, splitzg, 17 strokes, radical 缶
罅xiàgrudgeunknown, 17 strokes, radical 缶
xià(xia4) T4
  1. 1crack, fissure, split
  2. 2grudge
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

罅xià(xia4)

The character 罅 (xià) primarily refers to a crack, fissure, or split, often in physical structures like walls or floors. It can also metaphorically imply a grudge or discord between people, highlighting a deeper emotional or relational divide. In both contexts, it conveys the idea of something being broken or divided.

Strokes17Radical缶
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of harmony is vital, making the notion of a 'crack' or 'grudge' particularly significant. This character can symbolize the idea of relationships that are fractured, reflecting the importance of maintaining harmony in personal and social dynamics.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wall with a noticeable crack running through it (the shape of the character resembles a jagged split). The pronunciation 'xià' sounds like 'shatter,' which connects to the idea of a crack or split. Visualize a grudge lurking in this fissure, as if two people are standing on either side, unable to bridge the gap.

Meanings of 罅

xià(xia4)
1crack, fissure, split
2grudge
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 罅

罅Simplified
17Strokes
缶Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 罅

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Podcast: 罅

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AI Study Notes for 罅

Quick Contrast

裂 (liè) - use 罅 (xià) for smaller cracks or fissures, while 裂 (liè) refers to larger splits or breaks.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 罅 with similar-sounding characters. It is generally used in more formal contexts when discussing structural damage or metaphorical divides. Common collocations include 罅隙 (xiàxì) meaning 'fissure' or 'crack' and 罅漏 (xiàlòu) meaning 'leak.'

HSK Study Tips

Although 罅 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance comprehension of advanced texts, especially in discussions of architecture or interpersonal relationships. Focus on its usage in context and related terms like 裂缝 (lièfèng) for 'crack' and 分歧 (fēnqí) for 'discrepancy.'

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 罅 with 裂 (liè), which also means 'crack.' For example, saying 裂 instead of 罅 when referring to a grudge is incorrect. Instead, use 罅 to convey that nuanced meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 罅

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Etymology of 罅

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

The sound 虖 of pottery 缶 breaking

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 罅

  1. 1The giveawayThe sound 虖 of pottery 缶 breaking
  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 罅? 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 罅?

Decomposition of 罅

IDS Structure⿰缶虖
罅Full Character
=
缶fou3
left
虖hu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 罅?

How to say crack, fissure, split in Chinese

“crack, fissure, split” in Chinese is罅xià

The character 罅 (xià) primarily refers to a crack, fissure, or split, often in physical structures like walls or floors. It can also metaphorically imply a grudge or discord between people, highlighting a deeper emotional or relational divide. In both contexts, it conveys the idea of something being broken or divided.

When to use 罅

Be careful not to confuse 罅 with similar-sounding characters. It is generally used in more formal contexts when discussing structural damage or metaphorical divides. Common collocations include 罅隙 (xiàxì) meaning 'fissure' or 'crack' and 罅漏 (xiàlòu) meaning 'leak.'

罅 or something close to it

裂 (liè) - use 罅 (xià) for smaller cracks or fissures, while 裂 (liè) refers to larger splits or breaks.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 罅 with 裂 (liè), which also means 'crack.' For example, saying 裂 instead of 罅 when referring to a grudge is incorrect. Instead, use 罅 to convey that nuanced meaning.

Write 罅

罅

Practice writing 罅 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 罅

Words Containing This Character3
罅隙gap
罅xiàcrack
裂罅rift
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 罅隙 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 罅

It is pronounced as 'xià'.

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