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请柬 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
请柬qǐngjiǎninvitation cardHSK 7, n, rank #13149, Hard
请柬qǐngjiǎnwritten invitationHSK 7, n, rank #13149, Hard
qǐngjiǎn(qing3jian3) T3
  1. 1invitation card
  2. 2written invitation
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March 24, 2026
请柬(請柬)qǐngjiǎn(qing3jian3)

请柬 refers to a formal invitation card used for events such as weddings, parties, or ceremonies. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to invite guests and convey essential details about the event.

Frequency#13149DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, sending a 请柬 is a sign of respect and formality, often reflecting the importance of the occasion. Weddings, in particular, have elaborate 请柬 designs that showcase the couple's style and family background.

Memory Tip

Imagine a polite person, bowing slightly and saying '请' (qǐng) which sounds like 'ching,' inviting you to a grand event with a beautifully designed '柬' (jiǎn) card. Visualize the invitation card as a treasure map, guiding you to a joyful event.

Meanings of 请柬

qǐngjiǎn(qing3jian3)
1invitation card
2written invitation
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 请柬

请柬Simplified
請柬Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13149Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 请柬

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Podcast: 请柬

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AI Study Notes for 请柬

Quick Contrast

请帖 (qǐngtiē) — 请柬 is often used for formal events, while 请帖 can refer to a broader range of invitation types, including less formal ones.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a polite person, bowing slightly and saying '请' (qǐng) which sounds like 'ching,' inviting you to a grand event with a beautifully designed '柬' (jiǎn) card. Visualize the invitation card as a treasure map, guiding you to a joyful event.

Usage Notes

请柬 is typically used in formal situations, so it's important to use the correct tone when discussing it. A common mistake is using the word in casual contexts; instead, reserve it for formal invitations. Remember that 请柬 often pairs with the verb 发送 (fāsòng), meaning 'to send'.

HSK Study Tips

At HSK Level 6, students should focus on recognizing 请柬 in reading comprehension, especially in contexts discussing events. It connects with other words related to invitations and formalities, such as 邀请 (yāoqǐng), which means 'to invite'.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, sending a 请柬 is a sign of respect and formality, often reflecting the importance of the occasion. Weddings, in particular, have elaborate 请柬 designs that showcase the couple's style and family background.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 请柬 with less formal invitation terms, using it in casual invitations. For example, saying '我给你发一个请柬去喝茶' (I will send you an invitation card to drink tea) is incorrect; it should be '我邀请你来喝茶' (I invite you to come for tea).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 请柬

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Component Characters

qǐngto ask
HSK 110 strokes
View full entry
Jiǎncard
9 strokes
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Write 请柬

Practice writing 请柬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 请柬

请柬 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 2 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.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

她弄到了一张首映之夜的____。

She had wangled an invitation to the opening night.

Example Sentences for 请柬 (2)

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1
她弄到了一张首映之夜的请柬。

tā nòng dào le yī zhāng shǒu yìng zhī yè de qǐng jiǎn。

She had wangled an invitation to the opening night.
2
那天下午她发出了远远不止400份请柬。

nà tiān xià wǔ tā fā chū le yuǎn yuǎn bù zhǐ400 400 fèn qǐng。

She had sent out well over four hundred invitations that afternoon.

Cultural Notes for 请柬

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, sending a 请柬 is a sign of respect and formality, often reflecting the importance of the occasion. Weddings, in particular, have elaborate 请柬 designs that showcase the couple's style and family background.

Frequently Asked Questions about 请柬

请柬 specifically refers to invitation cards, often for personal events, while 邀请函 (yāoqǐnghán) is a more general term for invitations, including formal letters.