adjective HSK 5
Traditional 細膩
delicate · exquisite · meticulous · 细致入微 (attentive to detail)

Meaning

细腻 describes something that is refined, delicate, or executed with great attention to detail. It can describe physical texture (smooth, fine), artistic work (nuanced, detailed), emotions (subtle, sensitive), or a person's character (thoughtful, considerate). The word emphasizes fineness and careful attention to small details.

Usage

细腻 is commonly used to praise craftsmanship, artistic expression, or emotional sensitivity. It frequently describes writing style, acting, skin texture, or someone's thoughtfulness. It carries positive connotations and suggests sophistication or refinement. Often paired with verbs like 描写 (to depict) or nouns like 情感 (emotion), 笔触 (brushwork).

Examples

  1. 01
    这部电影对人物心理的描写非常细腻
    Zhè diàn yǐng duì rén xīn de miáo xiě fēi cháng .
    This film depicts the characters' psychology in a very delicate and nuanced way.
  2. 02
    她的皮肤很细腻,像婴儿一样。
    de hěn , xiàng yīng ér yàng.
    Her skin is very smooth and delicate, like a baby's.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 细腻的情感
    de qíng gǎn
    delicate emotions
  • 描写细腻
    miáo xiě
    to describe delicately/in detail
  • 笔触细腻
    chù
    delicate brushwork
  • 皮肤细腻
    smooth skin

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to fineness and smoothness. 细 originally depicted silk threads split into fine strands, while 腻 (肉+贰) relates to smooth, fatty texture. Together they emphasize refined delicacy.

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