How to Write 瑕 (xiá) — Meaning “Flaw or blemish in jade.”

Imagine a beautiful piece of jade (王) with a small crack or spot on it — the right side 叚 can be seen as a picture of a crack. This helps you remember that 瑕 means a flaw in jade.

Write the left radical 王 first (three horizontal strokes and a vertical stroke), then the right side 叚 starting with the top horizontal stroke. A common mistake is making the left side too wide — keep it narrow so the right side has space.

The character 球 (qiú) means ball and has 求 on the right, while 琅 (láng) means a kind of jade or a beautiful sound and has 良 on the right. Only 瑕 has the 叚 component and specifically refers to a flaw or defect in jade.

瑕 is often used in the word 瑕疵 (xiá cī) to describe minor defects in products or art, and in 无瑕 (wú xiá) to mean flawless. Culturally, the phrase 瑕不掩瑜 (the flaws do not obscure the virtues) is a common saying that emphasizes that small imperfections do not ruin overall excellence.

Common words containing 瑕 include: 瑕疵 (xiá cī) — Flaw; defect; imperfection.; 无瑕 (wú xiá) — Flawless / stainless; 瑕不掩瑜 (xiá bù yǎn yú) — The flaws do not obscure the virtues..