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珍稀 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
珍稀zhēnxīrareHSK 7, a, 21 strokes, rank #31560, Very Hard
珍稀zhēnxīprecious and uncommonHSK 7, a, 21 strokes, rank #31560, Very Hard
zhēnxī(zhen1xi1)zhen xi T1
  1. 1rare
  2. 2precious and uncommon
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March 24, 2026

珍稀zhēnxī(zhen1xi1)

珍稀 (zhen1 xi1) refers to something that is rare, precious, and uncommon. It is often used to describe unique items or species that are not easily found or are highly valued due to their scarcity. This term can be used in various contexts, including nature, art, and collectibles.

Strokes21Frequency#31560DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture,珍稀 items, like rare antiques or endangered species, are often viewed as indicators of social status and cultural heritage, reflecting deep respect for history and nature.

Memory Tip

Imagine a rare gem (珍) shining brightly, surrounded by a sea of common stones (稀). The gem is precious and valuable, just like the word itself. The sound 'zhen' can remind you of 'gem,' while 'xi' sounds like 'sea,' representing the rarity amidst the abundance.

Meanings of 珍稀

zhēnxī(zhen1xi1)
1rare
2precious and uncommon
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About 珍稀

珍稀Simplified
21Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#31560Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 珍稀

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Podcast: 珍稀

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AI Study Notes for 珍稀

Quick Contrast

稀有 (xīyǒu) — use 珍稀 when emphasizing the preciousness or value of the rarity.

Usage Notes

Be mindful that 珍稀 is used mostly in formal contexts, such as academic discussions about biodiversity or in art critiques. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar words like 稀有 (xi1 you3), which also means rare but carries a different nuance. Avoid using it to describe common items casually.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 珍稀 builds on the vocabulary related to rarity and value learned at earlier levels. Students should focus on its application in terms of rarity in nature and culture, and relate it to other HSK 6 words that describe value, such as 贵重 (gui4 zhong4).

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 珍稀 with 稀有 when describing rarity. For example, saying '这个水果很珍稀' (This fruit is very rare) is correct, but using '稀有' in a formal context may sound awkward.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 珍稀

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Component Characters

珍zhēnprecious thing
9 strokes王
View full entry
稀xīrare
HSK 712 strokes禾
View full entry

How to say rare in Chinese

“rare” in Chinese is珍稀zhēnxī

珍稀 (zhen1 xi1) refers to something that is rare, precious, and uncommon. It is often used to describe unique items or species that are not easily found or are highly valued due to their scarcity. This term can be used in various contexts, including nature, art, and collectibles.

When to use 珍稀

Be mindful that 珍稀 is used mostly in formal contexts, such as academic discussions about biodiversity or in art critiques. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar words like 稀有 (xi1 you3), which also means rare but carries a different nuance. Avoid using it to describe common items casually.

珍稀 or something close to it

稀有 (xīyǒu) — use 珍稀 when emphasizing the preciousness or value of the rarity.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 珍稀 with 稀有 when describing rarity. For example, saying '这个水果很珍稀' (This fruit is very rare) is correct, but using '稀有' in a formal context may sound awkward.

Write 珍稀

珍
稀

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Frequently Asked Questions about 珍稀

珍稀物种 (rare species) or 珍稀宝物 (precious treasures) are common phrases that showcase the usage of 珍稀.

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