Meanings of 缓
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About 缓
Podcast: 缓
Podcast: 缓
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AI Study Notes for 缓
缓 (huǎn) vs 迟 (chí) — use 缓 when emphasizing a relaxed pace, while 迟 focuses more on being late or delayed.
Imagine a turtle (the radical '纟' relates to thread or fabric) slowly weaving its way through a garden. The 'huǎn' sound can be remembered by thinking of a 'warm' day that encourages a leisurely stroll rather than a hurried race.
Common mistakes include confusing 缓 with other similar-sounding characters like 还 (hái, still) or 乱 (luàn, chaotic). This word is more formal and is often found in written contexts, such as in academic or professional discussions about processes that need to be done slowly or postponed.
Although 缓 is not in HSK levels 1-6, it connects well with words about time and speed, such as 快 (kuài, fast) and 迟 (chí, late). Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe pace or the timing of events.
In Chinese culture, the concept of taking things slow can be reflected in practices like Tai Chi, which emphasizes gradual movements and relaxation, contrasting with the fast-paced lifestyle often seen in Western contexts.
Learners often confuse 缓 with 快 (kuài, fast), mistakenly saying '我想缓去' (Wǒ xiǎng huǎn qù, I want to go slowly), when they mean '快去' (kuài qù, go quickly). It's important to use it in the right context to convey the intended meaning.
Pronunciation of 缓
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Etymology of 缓
Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 爰 represents the sound. Simplified form of 緩.
thread
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 缓?
Decomposition of 缓
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 缓?
Write 缓
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Practice writing 缓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 缓
缓 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 13 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
一旦地铁建成，堵车的情况就可大大____解。
Once the subway is completed, the traffic congestion can be greatly alleviated.
Common Confusions with 缓
Both characters share the '环' radical but differ in meaning and pronunciation.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "slow"?
Example Sentences for 缓 (10)
Cultural Notes for 缓
In Chinese culture, the concept of taking things slow can be reflected in practices like Tai Chi, which emphasizes gradual movements and relaxation, contrasting with the fast-paced lifestyle often seen in Western contexts.
Word Family of 缓
Compound Meaning
What does 缓解 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 缓
You might say, '我们需要缓解这个问题' (Wǒmen xūyào huǎnjiě zhège wèntí), meaning 'We need to alleviate this problem.'