sè

濇

Character · AdjectiveTraditional澀

astringent; rough; shy

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

4 senses · 11 examples
1.

adjective

astringent; puckery (taste that makes the tongue feel rough or numb)

Commonly describes unripe persimmons, strong tea, or certain wines. The traditional form 澀 is considered literary.

Zhè这
shì柿
zi子
hái还
méi没
shú熟
 ,
chī吃
qǐ起
lái来
hěn很
sè涩
 。

This persimmon isn't ripe yet; it tastes very astringent.

Zhè这
zhǒng种
lǜ绿
chá茶
rù入
kǒu口
wēi微
sè涩
 ,
huí回
gān甘
hěn很
kuài快
 。

This green tea tastes slightly puckery at first but leaves a sweet aftertaste quickly.

Show 1 more example
Tā他
zuǐ嘴
lǐ里
fā发
sè涩
 ,
kě可
néng能
shì是
shàng上
huǒ火
le了
 。

His mouth feels dry and rough; he might have excessive internal heat.

2.

adjective

unsmooth; rough; difficult (of writing, language, or movement)

Describes handwriting that lacks fluency, writing style that is obscure or difficult to understand, or roads that are rough. Often carries a negative connotation when referring to literary style.

Zhè这
piān篇
wén文
zhāng章
wén文
zì字
jiān艰
sè涩
 ,
hěn很
nán难
dǎn读
dǒng懂
 。

This article is written in a difficult and obscure style, very hard to understand.

Tā他
de的
zì字
xiě写
de得
yǒu有
xiē些
sè涩
 ,
bù不
gòu够
liú流
chàng畅
 。

His handwriting is somewhat rough and not fluid enough.

Show 1 more example
Jī机
qì器
yùn运
zhuǎn转
zhì滞
sè涩
 ,
xū需
yào要
shàng上
yóu油
le了
 。

The machine is running stiffly and needs oiling.

3.

adjective

blocked; stagnant; not flowing freely (of traffic, blood, etc.)

literary

Often used in compound words like 涩滞 (sèzhì). Considered a more literary or technical usage.

Yǔ雨
hòu后
shān山
lù路
ní泥
nìng泞
sè涩
zhì滞
 ,
xíng行
zǒu走
kùn困
nan难
 。

After the rain, the mountain path was muddy and difficult to traverse.

Qì气
xuè血
sè涩
zhì滞
 ,
xū需
yào要
tiáo调
lǐ理
 。

The qi and blood are stagnant and need regulating.

4.

adjective

shy; bashful; awkward (in expression or manner)

Most commonly used in the compound 羞涩 (xiūsè).

Tā她
sè涩
yú于
yán言
cí辞
 ,
bù不
shàn善
jiāo交
jì际
 。

She is awkward with words and not good at socializing.

Tā他
liǎn脸
shàng上
lù露
chū出
xiū羞
sè涩
de的
xiào笑
róng容
 。

A shy smile appeared on his face.

Show 1 more example
sè涩
nǚ女
láng郎

Shy Girl (title of a popular comic/TV series)