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隙 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
隙
xì
crack
ng, 12 strokes, radical 阝, rank #22645, Very Hard
隙
xì
crevice
ng, 12 strokes, radical 阝, rank #22645, Very Hard
隙
xì
gap or interval
ng, 12 strokes, radical 阝, rank #22645, Very Hard
隙
xì
loophole
ng, 12 strokes, radical 阝, rank #22645, Very Hard
隙
xì
discord
ng, 12 strokes, radical 阝, rank #22645, Very Hard
隙
xì
rift
ng, 12 strokes, radical 阝, rank #22645, Very Hard
隙
xì
crack, fissure, split; grudge
ng, 12 strokes, radical 阝, rank #22645, Very Hard
xì(xi4)xi T4
1crack
2crevice
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March 24, 2026
隙xì(xi4)
The character 隙 (xì) primarily means a crack or crevice, often used to describe a physical gap or interval. It also carries connotations of discord or rift, reflecting interpersonal conflicts or misunderstandings. This dual meaning makes it applicable in both literal and figurative contexts, such as describing a disagreement between friends or a gap in understanding.
Strokes12Radical阝Frequency#22645DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
The concept of discord represented by 隙 is significant in Chinese culture, where harmony in relationships is highly valued. This character might be used in discussions about family dynamics or workplace relationships, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts to maintain harmony.
Memory tip
Imagine a tiny crack in a wall where light seeps through; that light represents understanding. The character 隙 has a 'door' (阝) that can't fully close, symbolizing a gap. The pronunciation 'xì' sounds like 'see', as in seeing through that crack – a reminder of what can be lost in discord.
Meanings of 隙
xì(xi4)
1crack
2crevice
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 隙
隙Simplified
12Strokes
阝Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#22645Frequency Rank
Podcast: 隙
Podcast: 隙
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AI study notes for 隙
Quick Contrast
裂 (liè) - use 隙 (xì) for a gap that implies discord or misunderstanding, while 裂 (liè) focuses purely on a physical crack or split.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 隙 with similar characters like 缝 (fèng) which also means gap but emphasizes sewing or mending. This character is more commonly used in formal contexts when discussing relationships or conflicts, so it's best to use it in writing or serious discussions. Be mindful of the tone; the fourth tone (xì) must be pronounced correctly to convey the right meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 隙 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to other words that describe relationships and emotional states, such as 争执 (zhēngzhí, dispute) or 冲突 (chōngtū, conflict). Focus on recognizing its usage in context to enhance comprehension of nuanced relationships in language.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 隙 by confusing it with gaps related to physical objects rather than emotional contexts. For instance, saying '我在墙上找到了一个隙' (I found a gap in the wall) is incorrect; it's better to say '缝' (fèng) in this context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 隙
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 隙 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 隙 (xì) primarily means a crack or crevice, often used to describe a physical gap or interval. It also carries connotations of discord or rift, reflecting interpersonal conflicts or misunderstandings. This dual meaning makes it applicable in both literal and figurative contexts, such as describing a disagreement between friends or a gap in understanding.
When to use 隙
Learners often confuse 隙 with similar characters like 缝 (fèng) which also means gap but emphasizes sewing or mending. This character is more commonly used in formal contexts when discussing relationships or conflicts, so it's best to use it in writing or serious discussions. Be mindful of the tone; the fourth tone (xì) must be pronounced correctly to convey the right meaning.
隙 or something close to it
裂 (liè) - use 隙 (xì) for a gap that implies discord or misunderstanding, while 裂 (liè) focuses purely on a physical crack or split.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 隙 by confusing it with gaps related to physical objects rather than emotional contexts. For instance, saying '我在墙上找到了一个隙' (I found a gap in the wall) is incorrect; it's better to say '缝' (fèng) in this context.
Write 隙
隙
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Practice writing 隙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 隙
隙 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他们会透过那扇经受风吹日晒的老木门的缝____向外张望。
They would look out through the cracks of their weather-beaten door.
Example sentences for 隙 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们会透过那扇经受风吹日晒的老木门的缝隙向外张望。
tāmen huì tòuguò nà shān jīngshòu fēng chuī rì shài de lǎo mù mén de féng xì xiàng wài zhāng wàng。
They would look out through the cracks of their weather-beaten door.
