Meanings of 蹇
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About 蹇
Podcast: 蹇
Podcast: 蹇
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AI Study Notes for 蹇
蹇 (jiǎn) vs 瘸 (qué) - choose 蹇 for a literary or metaphorical context, while 瘸 is more straightforwardly about physical lameness.
This character is more formal and literary, so it's less common in everyday conversations. Be careful not to confuse it with characters that have similar sounds but different meanings, like 简 (jiǎn), which means simple. Common collocations include 蹇涩 (jiǎnsè), meaning difficult or slow.
Although 蹇 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be useful for learners at an advanced level looking to understand classical texts or literature. Focus on the context in which it appears to grasp its nuanced meanings.
Learners often confuse 蹇 with other characters that describe difficulties, such as 难 (nán), which means hard or difficult in a broader sense. Remember that 蹇 specifically relates to lameness or being slow.
Pronunciation of 蹇
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Etymology of 蹇
foot
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 蹇
- 1The meaning half足 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half宀 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayfoot
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 蹇? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 蹇
Identify the Components
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How to say surname Jian in Chinese
“surname Jian” in Chinese is蹇
The character 蹇 (jiǎn) primarily refers to being lame or crippled, particularly in the context of animals like horses. It can also describe something that is slow or difficult, often used in literature or expressions to convey misfortune or hardship.
When to use 蹇
This character is more formal and literary, so it's less common in everyday conversations. Be careful not to confuse it with characters that have similar sounds but different meanings, like 简 (jiǎn), which means simple. Common collocations include 蹇涩 (jiǎnsè), meaning difficult or slow.
蹇 or something close to it
蹇 (jiǎn) vs 瘸 (qué) - choose 蹇 for a literary or metaphorical context, while 瘸 is more straightforwardly about physical lameness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 蹇 with other characters that describe difficulties, such as 难 (nán), which means hard or difficult in a broader sense. Remember that 蹇 specifically relates to lameness or being slow.
Write 蹇
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Practice writing 蹇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 蹇
蹇 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 6 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.
Complete the Sentence
老人拄着拐杖, ____涩地往前挪动.
The old man hobbled along, with the support of a walking - stick.
Example Sentences for 蹇 (1)
Word Family of 蹇
Compound Meaning
What does 蹇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蹇
While it refers to being lame or crippled, it's mostly used in literary contexts rather than in everyday speech.
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