Meanings of 選
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 選
Podcast: 選
Podcast: 選
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 選
挑 (tiāo) vs 选 (xuǎn): Use 选 when emphasizing a careful or formal selection process, while 挑 implies a more casual or selective picking, often based on preference.
When using 選, be aware of its formal tone, particularly in political contexts like elections. Common collocations include '選擇' (xuǎnzé, to choose) and '選舉' (xuǎnjǔ, election). A common mistake is to confuse it with '選取' (xuǎnqǔ), which has a more specific meaning of selecting from a database or list.
Though 選 is not part of the HSK levels, it connects with themes of decision-making found in early levels. Focus on understanding verbs related to choice, like '選擇' and '決定' (juédìng, to decide), to build vocabulary around this concept.
Learners often mistakenly use 選 in contexts where 'pick' would be more appropriate, such as '我選了一本書' (correct: '我挑了一本書' for 'I picked a book'). Additionally, remember the tone: xuǎn should not be confused with xuàn, which has a different meaning.
Pronunciation of 選
Drill the tone of 選 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 選
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 先 represents the sound. Simplified form of 選.
walk
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 選
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 先 represents the sound. Simplified form of 選.
- 1The meaning half辶 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half巽 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywalk
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 選? 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
What type of character formation is 選?
Decomposition of 選
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 選?
How to say to select, to elect, to choose; election in Chinese
“to select, to elect, to choose; election” in Chinese is選
The character 選 (xuǎn) means 'to select' or 'to choose.' It is commonly used in contexts involving making decisions, such as voting in elections or picking options from a list. The nuance of this character implies a careful consideration before making a choice.
When to use 選
When using 選, be aware of its formal tone, particularly in political contexts like elections. Common collocations include '選擇' (xuǎnzé, to choose) and '選舉' (xuǎnjǔ, election). A common mistake is to confuse it with '選取' (xuǎnqǔ), which has a more specific meaning of selecting from a database or list.
選 or something close to it
挑 (tiāo) vs 选 (xuǎn): Use 选 when emphasizing a careful or formal selection process, while 挑 implies a more casual or selective picking, often based on preference.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 選 in contexts where 'pick' would be more appropriate, such as '我選了一本書' (correct: '我挑了一本書' for 'I picked a book'). Additionally, remember the tone: xuǎn should not be confused with xuàn, which has a different meaning.
Write 選
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 選 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 選
Compound Meaning
What does 选择 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 選
You can say '我選擇這個工作' (Wǒ xuǎnzé zhège gōngzuò), meaning 'I choose this job.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 選?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.