细腻 xìnì smooth
(of skin etc) smooth; satiny; delicate; (of a performance, depiction, craftsmanship etc) finely detailed; subtle; exquisite; meticulous
How to remember 细腻: 细 slender + 腻 greasy = smooth.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Fine and delicate' in texture or handling - 皮肤细腻 (pífū xìnì) smooth skin; 描写细腻 (miáoxiě xìnì) finely nuanced description.
- Praises smoothness of surface or subtlety of emotional/artistic detail; contrast 细微 (xìwēi, tiny in size) and 粗糙 (cūcāo, coarse).
- Common in reviews of writing, acting, and craftsmanship.