Meanings of 串
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About 串
Podcast: 串
Podcast: 串
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AI Study Notes for 串
串 (chuàn) vs 线 (xiàn) — use 串 for food or social connections, while 线 refers specifically to lines or threads.
Imagine a string of beads being threaded onto a needle. Each bead represents a different idea or object that you are connecting together, much like the pronunciation 'chuàn' sounds like 'chuan', which can remind you of a 'chain' of connections.
Be cautious when using 串 in different contexts, as it can imply a negative connotation when referring to conspiracies or mixing up information. It is generally informal and should be used with care in professional settings. Common collocations include 串串 (chuan chuan, skewers) and 串联 (chuan lian, to connect in series).
As an HSK 6 word, 串 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to food, connections, and social interactions. Focus on its multiple meanings and practice using it in various sentences to grasp its versatility.
串 is often associated with street food culture in China, where skewers of meat and vegetables, known as 串串, are a popular snack enjoyed by many, especially in night markets. This reflects the social aspect of dining in Chinese culture.
Learners often confuse 串 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying '我串了这些信息' (I strung together this information) can be misleading; a better way would be '我混合了这些信息' (I mixed up this information) when the context isn’t about physical strings.
Pronunciation of 串
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Etymology of 串
Pictograph of two objects on a skewer or strung together.
Two objects 口 strung 丨 together
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 串?
Decomposition of 串
Identify the Components
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Write 串
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Practice writing 串 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 串
串 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 16 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
她买了一____葡萄。
She bought a bunch of grapes.
Example Sentences for 串 (10)
Cultural Notes for 串
串 is often associated with street food culture in China, where skewers of meat and vegetables, known as 串串, are a popular snack enjoyed by many, especially in night markets. This reflects the social aspect of dining in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 串
Compound Meaning
What does 患 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 串
串 can mean to string together, skewer, or to mix up and connect in various contexts. It also refers to a classifier for a series or bunch of items.