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March 24, 2026
衬(襯)chèn(chen4)
The character 衬 (chèn) primarily refers to a lining in garments, such as the material that sits against the skin. It can also indicate the act of contrasting something or assisting financially. In everyday usage, it often appears in contexts related to clothing and fashion, as well as in discussions about support or enhancement.
Strokes8Radical衤Frequency#11681DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the choice of lining in clothing is often a reflection of the season and comfort, impacting fashion decisions during festivals and celebrations. Knowing how 衬 (chèn) is used can help learners appreciate the subtleties of Chinese garment design.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shirt with a soft lining (衬) that comforts your skin. The character looks like a person (亻) in a cozy, warm layer (衬) that contrasts with the rough outer fabric. Remember 'chèn' by thinking of a 'chenille' fabric lining that feels good against your skin.
Meanings of 衬
chèn(chen4)
1(of garments) against the skin
2to line
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 衬
衬Simplified
襯Traditional
8Strokes
衤Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11681Frequency Rank
Podcast: 衬
Podcast: 衬
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AI Study Notes for 衬
Quick Contrast
衬 (chèn, lining) vs 裙 (qún, skirt) — use 衬 when referring to the inner lining of clothing, while 裙 specifically denotes a type of garment.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shirt with a soft lining (衬) that comforts your skin. The character looks like a person (亻) in a cozy, warm layer (衬) that contrasts with the rough outer fabric. Remember 'chèn' by thinking of a 'chenille' fabric lining that feels good against your skin.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 衬 (chèn) with 衬托 (chèn tuō), which means to support or highlight, as the latter is a more specific use. This word is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in fashion discussions. Be careful with tones; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Since 衬 (chèn) may not be part of the standard HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on its usage alongside related words like 衬衫 (chènshān - shirt) and 衬托 (chèn tuō - to highlight). Understanding the concept of lining can help learners grasp the nuances of garment-related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the choice of lining in clothing is often a reflection of the season and comfort, impacting fashion decisions during festivals and celebrations. Knowing how 衬 (chèn) is used can help learners appreciate the subtleties of Chinese garment design.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 衬 (chèn) with similar-sounding words like 陳 (chén - to display), leading to incorrect usage. Always remember that 衬 specifically relates to lining or contrasting.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 衬
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Grammar Patterns of 衬
衬 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.
In Chinese culture, the choice of lining in clothing is often a reflection of the season and comfort, impacting fashion decisions during festivals and celebrations. Knowing how 衬 (chèn) is used can help learners appreciate the subtleties of Chinese garment design.
Word Family of 衬
Words Containing This Character12
衬衫chènshānshirt襯衫
衬衣chènyīshirt襯衣
衬chènto line襯
衬托chèntuōto set off襯托
映衬antithesis映襯
陪衬to set off陪襯
衬垫pad襯墊
衬里lining襯裡
衬裤underpants襯褲
衬裙petticoat襯裙
铺衬patch of cloth鋪襯
烘衬to set off烘襯
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 衬衫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 衬
衬 (chèn) refers specifically to the lining or inner layer of a garment, while 里 (lǐ) also means 'inside' but is more general and can refer to the interior of any object. Understanding the context in which these terms are used can help clarify their meanings in Chinese.
衬 (chèn) primarily refers to the concept of lining in garments, meaning something that is worn against the skin. It can also mean to contrast with or to assist financially. In the context of clothing, it indicates an inner layer that provides comfort and protection.
You can use 衬 in sentences that involve clothing, such as '这件衬衫里面有一个衬' (This shirt has a lining). It can also be used in expressions like '衬托’ (to highlight or contrast), demonstrating its versatility in both fashion and figurative language.
衬 (chèn) refers to 'lining' or 'to contrast', while 衬衫 (chènshān) specifically means 'shirt' that often has a lining.
Yes, 衬 (chèn) can imply assisting financially, often used in phrases related to support.
You can remember 'chèn' by associating it with 'chenille', a soft fabric that lines clothing.
