How to Write 舋 (xìn) — Meaning “feud or rift”

Imagine a mortar (臼) being cracked open by a strong fire (爨) underneath, creating a split or rift. The visual of the mortar breaking apart helps you recall that 舋 means a feud or rift. You can also think of "xìn" sounding like "sin" — a rift often causes sin between people.

The character has 19 strokes, so pay careful attention to the top radical 臼 which must be written compactly. The bottom part 爨 is complex; common mistakes include mixing up the multiple components or making the overall balance uneven. Practice writing the bottom section separately to ensure all parts fit within the square space.

Common expressions include 舋隙 (xìn xì) meaning a rift or grudge, often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a broken relationship. 舋鼓 (xìn gǔ) refers to an ancient ritual of smearing blood on a drum, a ceremonial act no longer common. 舋舋 (xìn xìn) describes someone who is aggressive or quarrelsome, typically used in classical Chinese.

舋 is very rare in modern Chinese and is not included in the HSK vocabulary. It mostly appears in classical literature, historical texts, or formal writing when discussing deep-seated conflicts or grudges. Understanding this character gives insight into ancient Chinese rituals (like 舋鼓) and the cultural importance of harmony, where rifts were significant events.

Common words containing 舋 include: 舋隙 (xìn xì) — rift or grudge; 舋鼓 (xìn gǔ) — to smear a drum with blood (ancient ritual); 舋舋 (xìn xìn) — aggressive or quarrelsome.