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March 24, 2026
腕wàn(wan4)
The character 腕 (wàn) refers primarily to the wrist, which is the joint connecting the hand to the forearm. It is commonly used in medical, anatomical contexts, and can also describe the arm of certain sea creatures such as squid and starfish, highlighting its flexible and jointed nature.
Strokes12Radical⺼Frequency#8268DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the wrist is considered an important diagnostic point, as practitioners often check the pulse at the wrist to assess health. This highlights the significance of 腕 in both anatomy and holistic health practices in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant wristwatch on your wrist that is so big it wraps around your arm. The character 腕 has the radical '肉' (meat, flesh) on the left, which relates to the flesh of the wrist area, while the right side resembles an arm, helping you connect the character to its meaning.
Meanings of 腕
wàn(wan4)
1wrist
2(squid, starfish etc) arm
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 腕
腕Simplified
12Strokes
⺼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 腕
Podcast: 腕
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AI Study Notes for 腕
Quick Contrast
手 (shǒu, hand) - 腕 refers specifically to the wrist joint, while 手 refers to the entire hand.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant wristwatch on your wrist that is so big it wraps around your arm. The character 腕 has the radical '肉' (meat, flesh) on the left, which relates to the flesh of the wrist area, while the right side resembles an arm, helping you connect the character to its meaning.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in medical or sports contexts, so be mindful of the register when using it. A common mistake is to confuse 腕 with 手 (shǒu, hand), so remember that 腕 specifically refers to the wrist area. Additionally, be careful not to mispronounce it as 'wán' instead of 'wàn'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 腕 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with related anatomical terms you may encounter in higher levels, such as 手 (hand) and 肘 (elbow). Focus on recognizing this character in context, especially in health-related materials.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the wrist is considered an important diagnostic point, as practitioners often check the pulse at the wrist to assess health. This highlights the significance of 腕 in both anatomy and holistic health practices in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 腕 with 手, thinking they mean the same. Remember, 腕 specifically refers to the wrist area rather than the entire hand. Another mistake is misusing it in informal contexts where more common terms would suffice.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 腕
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Grammar Patterns of 腕
腕 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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 4
Complete the Sentence
我有限的外交手____儿受到了极其严峻的考验。
My limited diplomatic skills were tested to the utmost.
Example Sentences for 腕 (10)
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1
我有限的外交手腕儿受到了极其严峻的考验。
wǒ yǒu xiàn de wài jiāo shǒu wàn ér shòu dào le jí qí yán jùn de kǎo yàn。
My limited diplomatic skills were tested to the utmost.
2
他是公认的匈牙利最有手腕的政治家。
tā shì gōng rèn de xiōng yá lì zuì yǒu shǒu wàn de zhèng zhì jiā。
He is widely regarded as Hungary's most skilful politician.
3
阿蒙森医生将她手腕上的伤口缝好。
ā mēng sēn yī shēng jiāng tā shǒu wàn shàng de shāng kǒu féng hǎo。
Dr Armonson stitched up her wrist wounds.
4
他以睿智的政治头脑和强势的管理手腕出名。
tā yǐ ruì zhì de zhèng zhì tóu nǎo hé qiáng shì de guǎn lǐ shǒu wàn chū míng。
He is known for his political savvy and strong management skills.
He was more than my match in diplomatic shrewdness.
9
她的手腕上绳子勒过的地方都磨红了。
tā de shǒu wàn shàng shéng zǐ lè guò de dì fāng dū mó hóng le。
Her wrists chafed where the rope had been.
10
马斯特斯迅速把手伸到桌对面，紧紧抓住他的手腕。
mǎ sī tè sī xùn sù bǎ shǒu shēn dào zhuō duì miàn， ， jǐn jǐn zhuā zhù tā de shǒu。
Masters shot a hand across the table and gripped his wrist.
Cultural Notes for 腕
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the wrist is considered an important diagnostic point, as practitioners often check the pulse at the wrist to assess health. This highlights the significance of 腕 in both anatomy and holistic health practices in Chinese culture.
