Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
馨xīn(xin1)
The character 馨 (xīn) refers to a pleasant and sweet fragrance, often associated with flowers or incense. It is commonly used in literary contexts and can evoke feelings of nostalgia or beauty, making it ideal for describing scents that are delightful and uplifting.
Strokes20Radical香Frequency#68709DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of fragrance is significant in Chinese culture, often linked to traditional practices like tea ceremonies and incense burning, which emphasize harmony and tranquility. The character 馨 is often used in poetry to express deep emotions and beauty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fragrant flower garden where the air is filled with the sweet scent of blossoms. The character 馨 looks like a flower (香) with the addition of the 'heart' radical (心), symbolizing that a fragrant scent brings joy to the heart.
Meanings of 馨
xīn(xin1)
1fragrant, aromatic
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 馨
馨Simplified
20Strokes
香Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 馨
Podcast: 馨
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 馨
Quick Contrast
香 (xiāng): 香 is more general and can refer to any pleasant smell, while 馨 specifically denotes a sweet and delicate fragrance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fragrant flower garden where the air is filled with the sweet scent of blossoms. The character 馨 looks like a flower (香) with the addition of the 'heart' radical (心), symbolizing that a fragrant scent brings joy to the heart.
Usage Notes
While 馨 is a formal term often found in poetry or literature, learners should avoid using it in casual conversation. It collocates well with words for scents and aromas, such as 馨香 (xīnxiāng), which means fragrant. Be careful with pronunciation, ensuring the tone is correct: xīn (first tone).
HSK Study Tips
Although not included in the HSK levels, understanding 馨 can enhance vocabulary related to describing scents and emotions. Students should focus on how this character complements other words related to fragrance and beauty, such as 香 (xiāng) and 美 (měi).
Cultural Note
The concept of fragrance is significant in Chinese culture, often linked to traditional practices like tea ceremonies and incense burning, which emphasize harmony and tranquility. The character 馨 is often used in poetry to express deep emotions and beauty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 馨 with 香 (xiāng), which also means fragrant but is more commonly used in conversation. For example, saying '我喜欢馨的花' (wǒ xǐhuān xīn de huā) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢香的花' (wǒ xǐhuān xiāng de huā).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 馨
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 馨 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 馨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 馨
馨 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
房间内有烟斗烟丝的淡淡____香。
The room held the faint, sweet odour of pipe tobacco.
The room held the faint, sweet odour of pipe tobacco.
2
陶瓦地板使这个地方给人一种非常舒适温馨的感觉。
táo wǎ dì bǎn shǐ zhè gè dì fāng gěi rén yī zhǒng fēi cháng shū shì wēn xīn de gǎn jué。
The terracotta tiled floor gives the place a wonderfully homely character.
3
在温馨的诊疗室里，孩子们周围摆满了亲切熟悉的东西。
zài wēn xīn de zhěn liáo shì lǐ， ， hái zǐ mén zhōu wéi bǎi mǎn le qīn qiē shú xī de dōng。
In the cosy consulting room the children are surrounded by familiar objects.
4
我觉得扮演少年探春的演员张馨予很漂亮.
wǒ jué dé bàn yǎn shǎo nián tàn chūn de yǎn yuán zhāng xīn yú hěn piāo liàng.
Zhangxinyu who played Tanchun in juvenile is so beautiful.
5
他在纽扣孔上佩了朵白色康乃馨.
tā zài niǔ kòu kǒng shàng pèi le duǒ bái sè kāng nǎi xīn.
He had a white carnation in his buttonhole.
6
新郎和男傧相的钮孔上都戴了一朵白色的康乃馨.
xīn láng hé nán bīn xiāng de niǔ kǒng shàng dū dài le yī duǒ bái sè de kāng nǎi xīn.
The bridegroom and the best man wore white carnations in their buttonholes.
7
他的扣洞上了一朵红色康乃馨.
tā de kòu dòng shàng le yī duǒ hóng sè kāng nǎi xīn.
A carnation having pale petals bordered by a darker color.
8
新郎和男傧相的纽扣孔上都插了一朵白色的康乃馨.
xīn láng hé nán bīn xiāng de niǔ kòu kǒng shàng dū chā le yī duǒ bái sè de kāng nǎi xīn.
The bridegroom and best man wore white carnations in their buttonholes.
9
凉爽的气候,馨香的气息, 炎炎夏日走一趟杉林溪,真的让人心旷神怡.
liáng shuǎng de qì hòu, , xīn xiāng de qì, xī , yán yán xià rì zǒu yī tàng shān, lín xī , zhēn de ràng rén xīn.
Cool climate and fragrant odors. It's a perfect summer getaway.
Cultural Notes for 馨
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of fragrance is significant in Chinese culture, often linked to traditional practices like tea ceremonies and incense burning, which emphasize harmony and tranquility. The character 馨 is often used in poetry to express deep emotions and beauty.
Word Family of 馨
Words Containing This Character4
温馨wēnxīncomfort溫馨
馨xīnfragrant
康乃馨carnation or clove pink
馨香fragrance
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 温馨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 馨
You can find it in phrases like 馨香 (xīnxiāng) meaning fragrant or 馨气 (xīnqì) meaning aromatic air.
No, it is more commonly found in literary contexts or formal writing rather than in casual speech.
Make sure to pronounce it with a high first tone: xīn.
