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March 24, 2026
瘫痪(癱瘓)tānhuàn(tan1huan4)
瘫痪 (tān huàn) refers to a loss of voluntary movement or sensation in a part of the body, often resulting from damage to the nervous system. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a complete halt in functionality, such as in transportation or operations. The term is commonly used in medical contexts and discussions of health, as well as in broader discussions about systems that are incapacitated.
Frequency#6576DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions of health and disability are often approached with sensitivity. The concept of 瘫痪 can evoke empathy and concern, highlighting the importance of health care and support systems in society.
Memory Tip
Think of 瘫痪 as a 'tanned hand' that has lost its ability to move. The character 瘫 includes the radical 疒 (illness) suggesting something is wrong with the body, while 痪 relates to the condition of paralysis. Imagine a hand that is tanned from the sun but unable to move, reinforcing the idea of paralysis.
Meanings of 瘫痪
tānhuàn(tan1huan4)
1paralysis
2be paralyzed (body, transportation, etc)
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About 瘫痪
瘫痪Simplified
癱瘓Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6576Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 瘫痪
Podcast: 瘫痪
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AI Study Notes for 瘫痪
Quick Contrast
瘫痪 (tānhuàn) vs 停止 (tíngzhǐ) — use 瘫痪 when referring to loss of function due to a condition, while 停止 implies a voluntary stop.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 瘫痪 as a 'tanned hand' that has lost its ability to move. The character 瘫 includes the radical 疒 (illness) suggesting something is wrong with the body, while 痪 relates to the condition of paralysis. Imagine a hand that is tanned from the sun but unable to move, reinforcing the idea of paralysis.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the context in which you use 瘫痪; it is typically used in serious discussions about health or functionality. Common collocations include '瘫痪状态' (state of paralysis) and '瘫痪交通' (paralyzed traffic). Also, remember that it carries a negative connotation, so it’s not suitable for light-hearted conversations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 瘫痪 connects to other medical and technical vocabulary, enriching your understanding of health-related topics in Chinese. Focus on the nuances of its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts to enhance your fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions of health and disability are often approached with sensitivity. The concept of 瘫痪 can evoke empathy and concern, highlighting the importance of health care and support systems in society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 瘫痪 with similar terms like 麻痹 (numbness) or 失去 (loss). For example, saying '我感到瘫痪' (I feel paralyzed) is incorrect unless it refers to a specific medical condition; a more accurate expression would be '我感到麻痹' (I feel numb).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瘫痪
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Grammar Patterns of 瘫痪
瘫痪 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 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.
The snake uses its venom to stun or paralyze its victims.
Cultural Notes for 瘫痪
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussions of health and disability are often approached with sensitivity. The concept of 瘫痪 can evoke empathy and concern, highlighting the importance of health care and support systems in society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 瘫痪
No, 瘫痪 can also be used metaphorically to describe systems or processes that are completely halted.
Phrases like '瘫痪交通' (paralyzed traffic) and '瘫痪经济' (paralyzed economy) are commonly used.
The correct pronunciation is tān huàn, with the first syllable in the first tone and the second in the fourth tone.
