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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
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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
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
This restaurant is known for its fusion of dishes with characteristics from different regions.
12
他的音乐风格独特，充满了个人特色。
Tā de yīnyuè fēnggé dútè, chōngmǎnle gèrén tèsè.
His music style is unique and full of personal characteristics.
13
这幅画的色彩运用是它最显著的特色。
Zhè fú huà de sècǎi yùnyòng shì tā zuì xiǎnzhù de tèsè.
The use of color in this painting is its most notable characteristic.
Cultural Notes for 特色
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 特色
You can say, '这个地方的特色是它的美食' (The distinguishing feature of this place is its food).
Yes, 特色 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in descriptive writing.
Absolutely, you can describe a person's unique qualities or traits using 特色.
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