Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
特色tèsè(te4se4)
特色 refers to a characteristic or distinguishing feature that sets something apart from others. It is commonly used to describe unique qualities of people, places, or products, emphasizing what makes them special or notable.
Strokes16Frequency#6892DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 特色 is essential when discussing food, art, and regional differences, as local specialties often reflect cultural identity. For example, Sichuan cuisine's 特色 includes its spicy flavors and unique ingredients.
Memory Tip
Think of 特色 as 'te' (like 'tea') that has a special flavor ('se') that makes it stand out. Imagine tasting a unique tea that has a distinctive aroma and taste, embodying the idea of characteristic qualities.
Meanings of 特色
tèsè(te4se4)
1characteristic
2distinguishing feature or quality
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 特色
特色Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6892Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 特色
Podcast: 特色
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 特色
Quick Contrast
独特 (dútè) - use 特色 (tèsè) when referring to a characteristic that distinguishes something, while 独特 emphasizes the uniqueness of that feature.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 特色 with similar words like 特点 (tèdiǎn), which means 'characteristic' but is often used in more technical contexts. 特色 is more commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when describing cultural elements or products.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 特色 connects well with other words at this level that describe quality and differentiation, such as 特别 (tèbié, 'special') and 特殊 (tèshū, 'special/unique'). Focus on using 特色 in context when discussing cultural or personal attributes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 特色 with 特点 (tèdiǎn), leading to incorrect usage. For instance, saying '这个产品的特点是...' instead of '这个产品的特色是...' can sound awkward in casual contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 特色
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 特色 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
特色 refers to a characteristic or distinguishing feature that sets something apart from others. It is commonly used to describe unique qualities of people, places, or products, emphasizing what makes them special or notable.
When to use 特色
Be careful not to confuse 特色 with similar words like 特点 (tèdiǎn), which means 'characteristic' but is often used in more technical contexts. 特色 is more commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when describing cultural elements or products.
特色 or something close to it
独特 (dútè) - use 特色 (tèsè) when referring to a characteristic that distinguishes something, while 独特 emphasizes the uniqueness of that feature.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 特色 with 特点 (tèdiǎn), leading to incorrect usage. For instance, saying '这个产品的特点是...' instead of '这个产品的特色是...' can sound awkward in casual contexts.
Write 特色
特
色
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 特色 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 特色
特色 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 2 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.
