HSK 3, v, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #2280, Medium
练
liàn
to train
HSK 3, v, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #2280, Medium
练
liàn
to drill
HSK 3, v, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #2280, Medium
练
liàn
to perfect (one's skill)
HSK 3, v, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #2280, Medium
练
liàn
exercise
HSK 3, v, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #2280, Medium
练
liàn
to drill, to exercise; to practice, to train
HSK 3, v, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #2280, Medium
liàn(lian4) T4
1to practice
2to train
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March 24, 2026
练(練)liàn(lian4)
The character 练 (liàn) means 'to practice' or 'to train.' It is commonly used in contexts involving skill development, such as practicing a musical instrument or training in a sport. It conveys a sense of repetition and improvement over time.
Strokes8Radical纟Frequency#2280DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 练 is deeply embedded in traditional arts such as martial arts (功夫, gōngfu) where continuous practice is seen as essential to mastery. This reflects the broader value placed on diligence and perseverance in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person practicing their skills so much that they're 'drilling' their abilities into their mind. The character 练 consists of the 'cow' radical 牜 (indicating effort or labor) and the component 练, which looks like a person working hard to perfect their craft.
Meanings of 练
liàn(lian4)
1to practice
2to train
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 练
练Simplified
練Traditional
8Strokes
纟Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2280Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 练
Podcast: 练
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AI Study Notes for 练
Quick Contrast
练 (liàn) vs 教 (jiāo) — use 练 when focusing on self-practice, while 教 emphasizes teaching others.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person practicing their skills so much that they're 'drilling' their abilities into their mind. The character 练 consists of the 'cow' radical 牜 (indicating effort or labor) and the component 练, which looks like a person working hard to perfect their craft.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of using 练 in overly formal contexts; it is more suitable for everyday conversation. Common collocations include 练习 (liànxí, to practice) and 练武 (liànwǔ, to train in martial arts). Remember that the second tone of 练 can often be mistakenly pronounced with a neutral tone.
HSK Study Tips
练 is relevant for HSK Level 3 as it connects well with other action verbs taught at this level. Focus on the context in which you use 练, as it pairs naturally with terms for skills and activities, enhancing your vocabulary around practice and training.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 练 is deeply embedded in traditional arts such as martial arts (功夫, gōngfu) where continuous practice is seen as essential to mastery. This reflects the broader value placed on diligence and perseverance in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 练 with 学 (xué), which means 'to study.' For example, saying '我练中文' (Wǒ liàn zhōngwén) may imply you are practicing rather than studying the language. The correct phrase to express learning is '我学中文' (Wǒ xué zhōngwén).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 练
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Grammar Patterns of 练
练 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 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
The direct marketing industry has become adept at packaging special offers.
6
要把马练好,缰绳靴刺不可少.
yào bǎ mǎ liàn hǎo, , jiāng shéng xuē cì bù kě.
It is the bridle and spur that makes a good horse.
7
你需要去找训练有素的咨询顾问请教这些问题。
nǐ xū yào qù zhǎo xùn liàn yǒu sù de zī xún gù wèn qǐng jiào zhè xiē wèn tí。
You need to take your problems to a trained counsellor.
8
如果训练得当，她会成为一名出色的演员。
rú guǒ xùn liàn dé dāng， ， tā huì chéng wéi yī míng chū sè de yǎn。
She'll make a good actress, if she gets the right training.
9
布莱克很熟练地跳上了船，他的重量使小船微微向下沉了沉。
bù lái kè hěn shú liàn dì tiào shàng le chuán， ， tā de zhòng liáng shǐ xiǎo chuán wēi wēi xiàng xià chén le。
Blake jumped in expertly; the boat dipped slightly under his weight.
10
专业训练使我懂得看问题要讲求逻辑。
zhuān yè xùn liàn shǐ wǒ dǒng dé kàn wèn tí yào jiǎng qiú luó jí。
My professional training has taught me to look at things logically.
Cultural Notes for 练
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the concept of '练' goes beyond just practice. It embodies the idea of perseverance and dedication to mastering skills, often seen in martial arts, music, and traditional crafts.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 练 is deeply embedded in traditional arts such as martial arts (功夫, gōngfu) where continuous practice is seen as essential to mastery. This reflects the broader value placed on diligence and perseverance in Chinese society.
📜Proverb
Practice makes perfect (熟能生巧), is a common saying in Chinese culture that emphasizes the importance of consistent practice in achieving mastery.
Word Family of 练
Words Containing This Character20
训练xùnliànto train訓練
教练jiàoliàninstructor教練
练liànto train練
练习liànxíto practice練習
排练páiliànto rehearse排練
熟练shúliànpracticed熟練
演练yǎnliàndrill演練
磨练to temper oneself磨練
教练员sports coach教練員
苦练kǔliànto train hard苦練
老练seasoned老練
练兵to drill troops練兵
干练capable and experienced幹練
练功to practice work skill練功
晨练morning exercise晨練
操练cāoliàndrill操練
练习场driving range (golf)練習場
陪练training partner陪練
简练terse簡練
精练jīngliàn(textiles) to scour精練
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 训练 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 练
Common phrases with 练 include '练习' (liànxí), meaning 'to practice', and '训练' (xùnliàn), meaning 'to train'. These phrases are often used in educational and athletic contexts.
练 (liàn) focuses on the act of practicing or training, while 习 (xí), often seen in 练习, emphasizes learning or habitual action. Both are essential for language acquisition and skill development.
练 (liàn) means 'to practice' or 'to train'. It is often used in the context of perfecting a skill or engaging in exercise. This character is commonly found in phrases related to training or rehearsal.
You can use 练 in sentences like '我每天练中文' (Wǒ měitiān liàn zhōngwén), which means 'I practice Chinese every day.' It can also be used in contexts like '练习' (liànxí) which means 'to practice' or 'to exercise'.
You can say '我每天练习中文' (Wǒ měitiān liànxí zhōngwén) which means 'I practice Chinese every day.'
No, 练 can refer to practicing any skill, including academic subjects, musical instruments, and sports.
练 emphasizes the act of practicing or drilling a skill, while 习 (xí) generally means to learn or study.
