丝 (sī) - silk & thread

丝Tone 1

sī ｜ 5 strokes ｜ radical: 一

树檀

丝 · sī

silk;

thread;

filament;

a tiny bit;

a threadlike thing;

a unit of weight (0.

0005g).

silkthreadfilament

Usage highlights

SilkThreadSpider silkA tiny bitSilk RoadSilk fabric

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 粗— thick, coarse
  • 巨— huge, gigantic

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She wore a silk dress (丝绸 dress).
  • The spider spun a fine thread (蜘蛛丝).
  • Add a pinch of salt (一丝盐).
  • There wasn't a trace of wind (一丝风也没有).

Collocations

  • Silk(丝绸)
  • Thread(丝线)
  • Spider silk(蜘蛛丝)
  • A tiny bit(一丝)
  • Silk Road(丝绸之路)
  • Silk fabric(丝织品)

Idioms

  • As fine as a hair, as thin as a thread(细如发丝，薄如蝉翼)
  • Not the slightest difference(毫无二丝)
  • Ties of friendship(情丝万缕)
  • A single thread(一丝一线)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically central to Chinese culture and economy via the Silk Road (丝绸之路).
  • Used metaphorically to describe something extremely fine, small, or delicate.
  • Represents connections, continuity, and subtle influences in literature and poetry.

FAQ