HSK 7, n, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #9666, Very Hard
溪
xī
rivulet
HSK 7, n, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #9666, Very Hard
溪
xī
brook, creek, stream
HSK 7, n, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #9666, Very Hard
xī(xi1) T1
1creek
2rivulet
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
溪xī(xi1)
The character 溪 (xī) refers to a small stream or creek, often characterized by its gentle flow and scenic beauty. It is commonly used in contexts relating to nature and landscapes, evoking images of tranquility and freshness. In literary use, it often symbolizes purity and serenity.
Strokes13Radical氵Frequency#9666DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, streams and creeks like those represented by 溪 (xī) are often celebrated in poetry and art, symbolizing the beauty of nature and the importance of water in sustaining life. Many traditional Chinese gardens feature small streams to enhance the aesthetic experience.
Memory Tip
Think of 溪 (xī) as a stream that flows smoothly like a gentle breeze ('xī' sounds like 'she') through a valley. The water (indicated by the water radical氵 on the left) refreshes the land, while the character’s shape resembles a flowing stream, connecting the visual form to its meaning.
Meanings of 溪
xī(xi1)
1creek
2rivulet
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 溪
溪Simplified
13Strokes
氵Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9666Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 溪
Podcast: 溪
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 溪
Quick Contrast
溪 (xī) vs 河 (hé) — use 溪 for smaller water bodies like streams, while 河 refers to larger rivers.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 溪 (xī) with other similar characters like 河 (hé), which means river and implies a larger body of water. This word is typically used in informal contexts, such as describing natural scenery, rather than in formal writing. Common collocations include phrases like 溪水 (xī shuǐ - creek water) or 溪流 (xī liú - stream flow).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on using 溪 (xī) in descriptive writing or when discussing nature. It connects well with other water-related vocabulary such as 河 (hé - river) and 湖 (hú - lake), helping to build a comprehensive understanding of natural bodies of water in Mandarin.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 溪 (xī) with 河 (hé) and mistakenly use them interchangeably, such as saying '河水' (hé shuǐ) when they mean 'creek water.' The correct term for creek water is '溪水' (xī shuǐ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 溪
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 溪 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 奚 represents the sound. Simplified form of 谿.
1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
2The sound half奚 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywater
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 溪? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 溪?
Decomposition of 溪
IDS Structure⿰氵奚
溪Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
奚Xi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 溪?
How to say creek in Chinese
“creek” in Chinese is溪xī
The character 溪 (xī) refers to a small stream or creek, often characterized by its gentle flow and scenic beauty. It is commonly used in contexts relating to nature and landscapes, evoking images of tranquility and freshness. In literary use, it often symbolizes purity and serenity.
When to use 溪
Be careful not to confuse 溪 (xī) with other similar characters like 河 (hé), which means river and implies a larger body of water. This word is typically used in informal contexts, such as describing natural scenery, rather than in formal writing. Common collocations include phrases like 溪水 (xī shuǐ - creek water) or 溪流 (xī liú - stream flow).
溪 or something close to it
溪 (xī) vs 河 (hé) — use 溪 for smaller water bodies like streams, while 河 refers to larger rivers.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 溪 (xī) with 河 (hé) and mistakenly use them interchangeably, such as saying '河水' (hé shuǐ) when they mean 'creek water.' The correct term for creek water is '溪水' (xī shuǐ).
Write 溪
溪
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 溪 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 溪
溪 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 3 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
Complete the Sentence
他被转到了肖尔____精神病院，要在那里无限期地呆下去。
He was transferred to Shoal Creek Mental Institution for an indefinite period.
Example Sentences for 溪 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他被转到了肖尔溪精神病院，要在那里无限期地呆下去。
tā bèi zhuǎn dào le xiāo ěr xī jīng shén bìng yuàn， ， yào zài nà lǐ wú xiàn qī dì dāi xià。
He was transferred to Shoal Creek Mental Institution for an indefinite period.
2
丹尼朝下望去，只见溪水潺潺流过附近的树林。
dān ní zhāo xià wàng qù， ， zhī jiàn xī shuǐ chán chán liú guò fù jìn de shù。
Danny looked down at the stream bubbling through the trees nearby.
3
东鲁孔梅溪则题曰>.
dōng lǔ kǒng méi xī zé tí yuē>.
Kong Meixi of eastern Lu suggested the title Precious Mirror of Love.
4
那匹马跳过小溪,四脚落地.
nà pǐ mǎ tiào guò xiǎo xī, , sì jiǎo luò.
The horse jumped the stream and landed on all fours.
