varnish, lacquer

JLPT N5 14 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character primarily refers to lacquer or varnish, a resinous substance used to coat and protect surfaces, especially wood. It is often associated with traditional crafts and furniture finishing.

Common Collocations

  • (qīqì): lacquerware, traditional handcrafted items coated with lacquer.
  • (qī miàn): lacquered surface, describing the smooth, shiny finish.
  • 漆黑 (qīhēi): pitch black, a common compound where metaphorically describes deep blackness.

Usage Notes

is mostly used in contexts related to materials and crafts. When used in compounds like 漆黑, it shifts to a metaphorical meaning describing intense darkness. It is a formal and somewhat literary term, not commonly used in everyday casual speech except in specific contexts like art, furniture, or color description.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with (tú), which means to paint or coat generally. specifically refers to lacquer, which has a particular texture and traditional significance.

Example Sentences

This table is coated with lacquer; its surface is smooth and waterproof.

Ancient craftsmen used lacquer to decorate furniture, making it both

Lacquerware is a traditional handicraft commonly found in China and Japan.