瑕 (xiá) - Flaw, blemish, defect — refers to imperfections in & often used metaphorically for minor faults.

瑕Tone 2

xiá ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

瑕 · xiá

Flaw, blemish, defect — refers to imperfections in jade, character, or arguments;

often used metaphorically for minor faults.

Flaw, blemish, defect — refers to imperfections inoften used metaphorically for minor faults.

Usage highlights

FlawlessJade flawMinor flawBlemishFlaw in jadeFlaw in argument

Synonyms

  • 疵— flaw, defect
  • 玷— stain, blemish
  • 缺— deficiency, shortcoming

Antonyms

  • 瑜— jade's luster, excellence
  • 纯— pure, unadulterated
  • 完— perfect, complete

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This jade has a tiny flaw (瑕).
  • His argument has some flaws (有瑕).
  • The porcelain was flawless (无瑕).
  • She has a pure character without blemish (无瑕的品格).

Collocations

  • Flawless(无瑕)
  • Jade flaw(玉瑕)
  • Minor flaw(微瑕)
  • Blemish(瑕疵)
  • Flaw in jade(瑕玷)
  • Flaw in argument(论点之瑕)

Idioms

  • A flaw in white jade(白璧微瑕)
  • Concealing flaws and exposing ugliness(掩瑕扬丑)
  • Picking flaws and finding faults(吹毛求瑕)
  • Without the slightest blemish(完美无瑕)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originates from jade appraisal culture where even minor imperfections significantly reduce value.
  • Used metaphorically in Confucian thought to discuss moral perfection and minor character flaws.
  • In Chinese aesthetics, the concept of 'flawless jade' represents ideal beauty and purity.

FAQ