Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
粗糙cūcāo(cu1cao1)
粗糙 (cūcāo) describes something that is rough in texture or appearance, often implying a lack of refinement or smoothness. It can be used to describe physical objects, like a coarse fabric or rough surface, as well as abstract concepts, such as a gruff demeanor or crude behavior.
Strokes27Frequency#9617DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese craftsmanship, the term 粗糙 can reflect a traditional emphasis on handmade goods, where rough edges might signify authenticity, contrasting with modern, mass-produced items that are often perfectly smooth.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rough piece of sandpaper that feels粗 (cū) against your fingertips, reminding you of its糙 (cāo) texture. The '粗' part looks like a rough mountain, while '糙' can be visualized as a tangled mess, reinforcing the idea of something not smooth or polished.
Meanings of 粗糙
cūcāo(cu1cao1)
1crude
2gruff
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 粗糙
粗糙Simplified
27Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#9617Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 粗糙
Podcast: 粗糙
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 粗糙
Quick Contrast
粗糙 (cūcāo) vs 粗鲁 (cūlǔ) — use 粗糙 for rough texture, while 粗鲁 refers specifically to rude behavior.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include mispronouncing the tones, as both are crucial for conveying the word's meaning. It's used in both informal and formal contexts but is often seen in descriptions of materials and behaviors. Collocations include phrases like '粗糙的表面' (rough surface) or '粗糙的态度' (gruff attitude).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 粗糙 connects to other descriptive adjectives like 光滑 (smooth) or 精致 (exquisite). Students should focus on recognizing contrasts in texture and behavior when using this word, which is essential for more nuanced descriptions in conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 粗糙 with 光滑, using it incorrectly to describe something that is smooth. For example, saying '这个布料很粗糙' (This fabric is very smooth) is incorrect; it should be '这个布料很光滑'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 粗糙
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 粗糙 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
粗糙 (cūcāo) describes something that is rough in texture or appearance, often implying a lack of refinement or smoothness. It can be used to describe physical objects, like a coarse fabric or rough surface, as well as abstract concepts, such as a gruff demeanor or crude behavior.
When to use 粗糙
Common mistakes include mispronouncing the tones, as both are crucial for conveying the word's meaning. It's used in both informal and formal contexts but is often seen in descriptions of materials and behaviors. Collocations include phrases like '粗糙的表面' (rough surface) or '粗糙的态度' (gruff attitude).
粗糙 or something close to it
粗糙 (cūcāo) vs 粗鲁 (cūlǔ) — use 粗糙 for rough texture, while 粗鲁 refers specifically to rude behavior.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 粗糙 with 光滑, using it incorrectly to describe something that is smooth. For example, saying '这个布料很粗糙' (This fabric is very smooth) is incorrect; it should be '这个布料很光滑'.
Write 粗糙
粗
糙
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 粗糙 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 粗糙
粗糙 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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.
