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灰 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
灰
huī
ash
HSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 火, rank #3279, Hard
灰
huī
dust
HSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 火, rank #3279, Hard
灰
huī
lime
HSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 火, rank #3279, Hard
灰
huī
gray
HSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 火, rank #3279, Hard
灰
huī
discouraged
HSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 火, rank #3279, Hard
灰
huī
dejected
HSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 火, rank #3279, Hard
灰
huī
ashes; dust; lime, mortar
HSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 火, rank #3279, Hard
huī(hui1)hui T1
1ash
2dust
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March 24, 2026
灰huī(hui1)
The character 灰 (huī) primarily means 'ash' or 'dust' and can also refer to the color 'gray.' It is commonly used in contexts related to remnants of fire, such as after burning wood or incense. Additionally, it can convey a sense of being discouraged or dejected, reflecting emotional states.
Strokes6Radical火Frequency#3279DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, ash (灰) can symbolize the remnants of life and impermanence, reflecting philosophical ideas found in Taoism and Buddhism about the nature of existence. The color gray often represents neutrality and a sense of calm in art and design.
Memory tip
Imagine a gray cloud of ash floating in the air after a campfire. The top of the character 灰 resembles a fire, while the bottom part depicts something falling—like ash settling down. This visual can help you remember both the meaning (ash) and the pronunciation (huī).
Meanings of 灰
huī(hui1)
1ash
2dust
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 灰 means.
About 灰
灰Simplified
6Strokes
火Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#3279Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 灰
Podcast: 灰
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AI study notes for 灰
Quick Contrast
灰 (huī) vs 煤 (méi) — use 灰 for ash or gray color, while 煤 refers specifically to coal.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 灰 (huī) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, such as 回 (huí), which means 'to return.' It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but when discussing emotions, it may lean towards more informal speech. Common collocations include 灰烬 (huī jìn, 'embers') and 灰心 (huī xīn, 'discouraged').
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 灰 connects well with other words related to colors and emotions, such as 黑 (hēi, 'black') and 感到 (gǎndào, 'to feel'). Focus on practicing its pronunciation and usage in sentences describing feelings or the aftermath of a fire.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 灰 (huī) with 界 (jiè), leading to incorrect phrases such as 灰心界 (huī xīn jiè) instead of 灰心 (huī xīn). Always remember that 灰 is specifically related to ash and emotions, while 界 pertains to boundaries or realms.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 灰
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 灰 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 灰 (huī) primarily means 'ash' or 'dust' and can also refer to the color 'gray.' It is commonly used in contexts related to remnants of fire, such as after burning wood or incense. Additionally, it can convey a sense of being discouraged or dejected, reflecting emotional states.
When to use 灰
Be careful not to confuse 灰 (huī) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, such as 回 (huí), which means 'to return.' It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but when discussing emotions, it may lean towards more informal speech. Common collocations include 灰烬 (huī jìn, 'embers') and 灰心 (huī xīn, 'discouraged').
灰 or something close to it
灰 (huī) vs 煤 (méi) — use 灰 for ash or gray color, while 煤 refers specifically to coal.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 灰 (huī) with 界 (jiè), leading to incorrect phrases such as 灰心界 (huī xīn jiè) instead of 灰心 (huī xīn). Always remember that 灰 is specifically related to ash and emotions, while 界 pertains to boundaries or realms.
Write 灰
灰
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Practice writing 灰 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 灰
灰 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.
我见到过这个身着____色套装的英俊男士。
I saw this nice-looking man in a gray suit.
Common confusions with 灰
灰vs会
huì
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “ash”?
or
Usage Notes for 灰
Mixing up 灰 with other colorsCommon Error
Learners may confuse 灰 with other color terms like 黑 (black) or 白 (white).
1
灰色的天空
Gray sky
2
我喜欢黑色，而不是灰色。
I like black, not gray.
Exercise 1 of 1
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
