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March 24, 2026
遣qiǎn(qian3)
The character 遣 (qiǎn) primarily means to dispatch or send something or someone to a certain place. It can also imply the act of exiling or sending off someone, often used in historical or formal contexts, such as in government or military language.
Strokes13Radical辶Frequency#18493DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 'dispatching' is significant in Chinese history, notably in contexts involving imperial orders or even the Silk Road, where emissaries were sent to establish diplomatic relations. Understanding this term can provide insight into China's historical governance and social structure.
Memory Tip
Imagine a messenger (the character's form has a 'foot' suggesting movement) being dispatched to deliver important news. The 'dispatch' part connects to the sound 'qiǎn,' reminiscent of 'can' as in 'can do it quickly.' Visualize a quick-footed courier dashing off with a message.
Meanings of 遣
qiǎn(qian3)
1dispatch
2to send, to dispatch; to exile, to send off
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 遣
遣Simplified
13Strokes
辶Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#18493Frequency Rank
Podcast: 遣
Podcast: 遣
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AI Study Notes for 遣
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a messenger (the character's form has a 'foot' suggesting movement) being dispatched to deliver important news. The 'dispatch' part connects to the sound 'qiǎn,' reminiscent of 'can' as in 'can do it quickly.' Visualize a quick-footed courier dashing off with a message.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 遣 (qiǎn), as it must be pronounced with the third tone to convey the correct meaning. This character is more commonly seen in formal writing or historical texts rather than everyday conversation. It often collocates with words like '人' (rén - person) when referring to sending someone away.
HSK Study Tips
Although 遣 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of historical texts or formal documents. Focus on the contexts in which it appears, and recognize its relationship with other words related to sending or dispatching.
Cultural Note
The concept of 'dispatching' is significant in Chinese history, notably in contexts involving imperial orders or even the Silk Road, where emissaries were sent to establish diplomatic relations. Understanding this term can provide insight into China's historical governance and social structure.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 遣 (qiǎn) with 送 (sòng) when trying to express the concept of sending. For instance, saying '我遣她去商店' (wǒ qiǎn tā qù shāngdiàn) is incorrect; it should be '我送她去商店' (wǒ sòng tā qù shāngdiàn) for everyday usage.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 遣
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Grammar Patterns of 遣
遣 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
摩根派____部队同时袭击了两个据点。
Dividing his command, Morgan assailed both strongholds at the same time.
Example Sentences for 遣 (10)
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1
摩根派遣部队同时袭击了两个据点。
mó gēn pài qiǎn bù duì tóng shí xí jī le liǎng gè jù diǎn。
Dividing his command, Morgan assailed both strongholds at the same time.
The workers are reluctant to be ordered around by the employers.
Cultural Notes for 遣
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 'dispatching' is significant in Chinese history, notably in contexts involving imperial orders or even the Silk Road, where emissaries were sent to establish diplomatic relations. Understanding this term can provide insight into China's historical governance and social structure.
Word Family of 遣
Compounds6
谴qian3punishment
缱qian3attached, inseparable, in love; entangled
儙
繾qian3attached, inseparable, in love; entangled
譴qian3to scold, to reprimand, to abuse
鑓
Words Containing This Character13
派遣pàiqiǎnto dispatch
遣qiǎnto send
消遣xiāoqiǎnamusement
遣返to send back
遣送to send away
差遣to send (on errand)
调遣to dispatch調遣
遣散to disband
先遣队advance party先遣隊
排遣to dispel (negative thoughts etc)
调兵遣将to send a team on a task調兵遣將
遣词use of words遣詞
遣闷to dispel anguish遣悶
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 谴 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 遣
While both mean 'to send,' 遣 (qiǎn) often implies a formal dispatch or exile, whereas 送 (sòng) is more general and commonly used for everyday sending.
It is primarily used in formal contexts, so it's less common in casual conversations. Try using 送 (sòng) for everyday situations.
Yes, 遣 is pronounced in the third tone (qiǎn), so be sure to use that tone to convey the correct meaning.
