How to Write 脆 (cuì) — Meaning “brittle; crisp; fragile”

Imagine a piece of meat (⺼) that is in danger (危) of falling apart because it is very brittle. This visual helps you connect the left radical with the idea of fragility. You can also think of a crispy cookie that breaks easily when you touch it, reinforcing the meaning of crisp.

Pay attention to the right component 危: it starts with a short left-falling stroke, then a horizontal stroke under a roof shape, followed by a curved hook and a final vertical hook. Make sure the left radical ⺼ is narrow and the right part is slightly wider, keeping the character balanced.

All three share the ⺼ (meat) radical, but their right parts change the meaning. 脆 uses 危 (danger) and means brittle or fragile; 股 uses 殳 (a weapon) and means thigh or a portion of something; 肥 uses 巴 (a snake) and means fat or fertile. Visually, 脆 has a more angular right side, while 股 and 肥 have smoother strokes.

脆 appears in common words like 脆弱 (cuì ruò, fragile/weak) and 干脆 (gān cuì, straightforward or simply). In daily life, it describes crispy foods (e.g., 脆皮 chicken) or a direct, no-nonsense attitude. The character is also used in idioms to imply something is clear-cut and decisive, like 脆生生的 (crisp and fresh).

Common words containing 脆 include: 脆 (cuì) — brittle; crisp; fragile; 脆弱 (cuì ruò) — fragile; weak; vulnerable; 干脆 (gān cuì) — straightforward / simply.