Definition
稀 (xī) has two meanings: 'thin/watery' (liquids) and 'sparse/rare' (frequency/density). For 'rare', it is broader than the siblings: 稀有 emphasizes rarity of objects, 稀少 focuses on fewness in number, and 稀罕 adds a sense of cherishing; only 稀 can also describe thin consistency.
adjective
(of consistency) thinwatery(of frequency or density) sparserare
Easily confused
- 洗xǐsound-aliketo wash
- 西Xīsound-alikewest; the West
- 吸xīsound-aliketo inhale, to breathe in
- 戏xìsound-alike(noun) drama; play; show (especially theatrical performance)
- 系xìsound-aliketo relate to; to involve; to connect
- 系xìsound-alike(formal/classical) to be; to relate to
- 细xìsound-alikethin, slender
- 席xísound-alikewoven mat (e.g., bamboo or straw mat)
- 溪xīsound-alikecreek; rivulet
Examples
- 稀，。Zhè wǎn zhōu tài xī le, duō jiā yì diǎn mǐ ba.This bowl of porridge is too watery; add a bit more rice.
- 稀，。Tā tóufa yuè lái yuè xī, kěnéng kāishǐ tū le.His hair is getting sparser; he might be starting to go bald.
- ，？Nín kě shì xī kè, jīntiān zěnme yǒu kòng lái?You are a rare guest — how do you have time to come today?
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.