coarse

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The character "" primarily describes something that is rough in texture or thick in size. It can refer to physical qualities like a coarse rope or rough paper, but also to abstract qualities such as a person's rough manner or blunt speech.

Common Collocations

  • (cū shéng): thick rope, used when emphasizing strength or durability.
  • (cū huà): rude or blunt words, often implying impoliteness.
  • 粗心 (cū xīn): careless, indicating a lack of attention to detail.

Usage Notes

"" often contrasts with "" (xì), meaning fine or delicate. When describing objects, "" highlights a lack of refinement or delicacy. When describing people or behavior, it can imply bluntness or lack of tact. Avoid confusing "" with "" (big); "" focuses on thickness or coarseness rather than size alone.

Register and Tone

"" is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It can carry a slightly negative connotation when describing manners or speech, so be mindful of context.

Example Sentences

这根绳子很粗,适合拉重物。

Zhè gēn shéngzi hěn cū, shìhé lā zhòngwù.

This rope is thick and suitable for pulling heavy objects.

他的脾气很粗,有时候说话不太客气。

Tā de píqi hěn cū, yǒu shíhòu shuōhuà bù tài kèqì.

He has a rough temper and sometimes speaks bluntly.

这张纸的质地很粗,不适合画细致的画。

Zhè zhāng zhǐ de zhìdì hěn cū, bù shìhé huà xìzhì de huà.

The texture of this paper is rough and not suitable for detailed drawings.