Meanings of 卷
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About 卷
Podcast: 卷
Podcast: 卷
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AI Study Notes for 卷
卷 (juǎn) vs 皱 (zhòu) — use 卷 for rolling or curling items, while 皱 refers specifically to wrinkling surfaces.
Imagine a scroll (like a scroll of ancient texts) that you roll up tightly. The character 卷 has a 'curled' shape to remind you of that scroll. The pronunciation 'juǎn' sounds like 'join,' as if you are joining the ends of the scroll together by rolling it.
Be careful not to confuse 卷 with its similar-sounding counterpart '圈' (quān), which means 'circle.' 卷 is often used in formal contexts, especially in literature and examinations. Common collocations include '卷子' (juǎnzi - exam paper) and '卷心菜' (juǎnxīncài - cabbage) which literally translates to 'rolled heart vegetable.'
As an HSK Level 6 word, 卷 connects to other characters related to books and education. Focus on how it is used in compound words and phrases, especially in literary or academic contexts. Practice using it in sentences about reading materials or academic settings.
In traditional Chinese culture, scrolls were a primary medium for literature and art, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom. The use of 卷 in this context reflects the historical significance of scrolls in Chinese education and scholarship.
Learners often confuse 卷 (juǎn) with 卷曲 (juǎnqū), which means 'curly.' An incorrect usage might be saying '我买了卷子' (Wǒ mǎile juǎnzi - I bought a roll), instead of clarifying that it refers to an exam paper. The correct context would be more about the type of document.
Pronunciation of 卷
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Etymology of 卷
Pictograph of two hands rolling rice into a ball. 卩 (kneeling person) is a meaning component.
A curled up scroll 㔾
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 卷?
Decomposition of 卷
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 卷?
Write 卷
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Practice writing 卷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 卷
卷 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. 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
我需要一____纸。
I need a roll of paper.
Common Confusions with 卷
Similar shape but different meaning and pronunciation.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to roll up"?
Usage Notes for 卷
Learners often confuse 卷 with 卷子 (a rolled item) and use it incorrectly as a verb in contexts where a noun is required.
我需要一本卷。
I need a roll.
Fill in the Blank
我需要一本____。
I need a roll.
Example Sentences for 卷 (10)
Cultural Notes for 卷
In traditional Chinese culture, scrolls were a primary medium for literature and art, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom. The use of 卷 in this context reflects the historical significance of scrolls in Chinese education and scholarship.
Word Family of 卷
Compound Meaning
What does 圈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 卷
The character 卷 (juǎn) specifically refers to rolling or items that are rolled, while other characters like 折 (zhé) refer to folding. Understanding these differences can help clarify their usage in conversation.