HSK 7, n, 13 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #17313, Very Hard
xiàn(xian4) T4
1gland
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
腺xiàn(xian4)
腺 (xiàn) refers to a gland in the body that secretes fluids such as hormones or other substances. It is commonly used in medical contexts, especially when discussing bodily functions and health. Understanding this term is important for students interested in biology or medicine.
Strokes13Radical⺼Frequency#17313DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of glands relates to the balance of bodily fluids and energy, reflecting the holistic approach to health prevalent in Chinese culture. Understanding such terms can enhance one's comprehension of health discussions in Chinese.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'scent' (sounds like 'xiàn') wafting from the gland as it secretes hormones, which are vital for bodily functions. The character 腺 can be visualized as a 'mouth' (口) at the bottom, indicating the gland's role in 'speaking' or releasing substances that influence the body.
Meanings of 腺
xiàn(xian4)
1gland
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 腺 means.
About 腺
腺Simplified
13Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 腺
Podcast: 腺
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 腺
Usage Notes
腺 is primarily used in formal or scientific contexts, so it's not commonly used in casual conversation. Be aware of its collocation with words like '内分泌腺' (endocrine gland) and '唾液腺' (salivary gland). Ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronunciation can alter meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 腺 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it's useful for students aiming for medical or scientific studies. Focus on learning related terms such as '分泌' (to secrete) and '腺体' (gland tissue) for a broader understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 腺 with other similar-sounding words, like 先 (xiān), which means 'first.' For example, saying '我想学习腺' instead of '我想学习腺体' (I want to learn about glands) can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 腺
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 腺 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 腺 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 腺
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 泉 represents the sound.
腺 = ⺼ + 泉. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 腺
IDS Structure⿰⺼泉
腺Full Character
=
⺼rou4
left
泉quan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 腺?
How to say gland in Chinese
“gland” in Chinese is腺xiàn
腺 (xiàn) refers to a gland in the body that secretes fluids such as hormones or other substances. It is commonly used in medical contexts, especially when discussing bodily functions and health. Understanding this term is important for students interested in biology or medicine.
When to use 腺
腺 is primarily used in formal or scientific contexts, so it's not commonly used in casual conversation. Be aware of its collocation with words like '内分泌腺' (endocrine gland) and '唾液腺' (salivary gland). Ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronunciation can alter meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 腺 with other similar-sounding words, like 先 (xiān), which means 'first.' For example, saying '我想学习腺' instead of '我想学习腺体' (I want to learn about glands) can lead to misunderstanding.
Write 腺
腺
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 腺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 腺
腺 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我得了____热，那一整年都不舒服。
I had glandular fever and spent that year feeling rotten.
Example Sentences for 腺 (6)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我得了腺热，那一整年都不舒服。
wǒ dé le xiàn rè， ， nà yī zhěng nián dū bù shū。
I had glandular fever and spent that year feeling rotten.
