How to Write 痂 (jiā) — Meaning “scab”

Imagine a wound that is sick (疒) and then you 'add' (加) a protective crust over it—that crust is the scab. You can also think of the word 'scab' sounding like 'scab' but with a 'jia' sound, and remember the 'add' part because a scab adds a layer to your skin.

When writing 痂, start with the radical 疒: first the dot, then the horizontal stroke, left-falling stroke, dot, and lift. Then write 加: the left part is 力 (power), starting with a horizontal hook stroke, then a left-falling stroke; the right part is 口 (mouth), written as a square. A common mistake is making the 口 in 加 too large, so keep it balanced and compact.

痂 (jiā) specifically means a dried crust on a wound, like a scab. 疙 (gē) means a lump or bump on the skin, like a pimple or knot, and is often used in 疙瘩 (gē da, lump). 疚 (jiù) means remorse or guilt, as in 内疚 (nèi jiù, guilty), and has no skin-related meaning. Visually, 痂 has the 加 component, 疙 has 乞, and 疚 has 久.

痂 is used in medical or everyday talk about wounds, especially with the common word 结痂 (jié jiā, to form a scab). You might hear parents tell children '不要抠痂' (bù yào kōu jiā, don't pick at the scab). It is not an HSK word but appears in health discussions, and there is no special cultural taboo—just practical advice to let wounds heal.

Common words containing 痂 include: 结痂 (jié jiā) — To form a scab.; 痂皮 (jiā pí) — scab; 伤痂 (shāng jiā) — Scab..