HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Hard
窜
cuàn
to scuttle
HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Hard
窜
cuàn
to exile or banish
HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Hard
窜
cuàn
to amend or edit
HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Hard
窜
cuàn
to run away; to expel; to revise, to edit
HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Hard
cuàn(cuan4) T4
1to flee
2to scuttle
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March 24, 2026
窜(竄)cuàn(cuan4)
The character 窜 (cuàn) primarily means to flee or run away, often in a hurried or chaotic manner. It can also refer to the act of being exiled or banished, as well as the process of making edits or revisions to a text or document. This word is commonly used in contexts involving escape or modification.
Strokes12Radical穴Frequency#9287DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of exile is significant, with many historical figures being banished for political reasons. The term 窜 is often associated with narratives of political struggle and the theme of escape in Chinese literature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rabbit (the radical 窗, which means window) escaping through a window to avoid danger. The sound 'cuàn' can be remembered as the frantic noise of the rabbit's feet as it scuttles away, emphasizing the hurried nature of fleeing.
Meanings of 窜
cuàn(cuan4)
1to flee
2to scuttle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 窜
窜Simplified
竄Traditional
12Strokes
穴Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#9287Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 窜
Podcast: 窜
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AI Study Notes for 窜
Quick Contrast
逃 (táo) - use 窜 when emphasizing a chaotic or hurried escape, while 逃 is more general for any escape.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a rabbit (the radical 窗, which means window) escaping through a window to avoid danger. The sound 'cuàn' can be remembered as the frantic noise of the rabbit's feet as it scuttles away, emphasizing the hurried nature of fleeing.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 窜 with other similar-sounding verbs like 跑 (pǎo, to run) or 逃 (táo, to escape), which have slightly different nuances. This word is more formal and is often used in written contexts, especially when discussing literature or official documents. Be mindful of its tone, as it can imply urgency.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK level 6, students should focus on the various contexts in which 窜 can be used, particularly in literature or discussions about exile and modification. This word connects with other advanced verbs related to movement and change, enhancing vocabulary around these themes.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of exile is significant, with many historical figures being banished for political reasons. The term 窜 is often associated with narratives of political struggle and the theme of escape in Chinese literature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 窜 with other escape-related words, leading to errors like using 窜 instead of 逃 in non-urgent contexts. Correct usage would be '他逃走了' (Tā táo zǒule) for a simple escape, rather than using 窜.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 窜
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Grammar Patterns of 窜
窜 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
你不能这样到处乱____，擅自占用别人的地产。
You can't simply wander around squatting on other people's property.
The gas contains blow - by, sludge, acids, oil, and other contaminant.
7
水池里泼剌一声, 一条大金鱼窜了起来.
shuǐ chí lǐ pō là yī shēng, , yī tiáo dà jīn yú cuàn le qǐ.
There was splash goldfish in the pond, and a big goldfish bobbed up.
8
那只长耳兔不是逃走就是给这阵声响弄得着了慌, 又窜回去.
nà zhī cháng ěr tù bù shì táo zǒu jiù shì gěi zhè zhèn shēng xiǎng nòng dé zháo le huāng, , yòu cuàn huí.
Either the jack escaped, or confused by the noise, darted back again.
9
如果事实不是如此,那么就必须窜改事实.
rú guǒ shì shí bù shì rú cǐ, , nà mó jiù bì xū cuàn gǎi shì.
And if the facts say otherwise then the facts must be altered.
10
男子觑着不说话.有说不出的什么东西,在血里窜着涌着.
nán zǐ qù zháo bù shuō huà. . yǒu shuō bù chū de shí mó dōng, xī , zài xiě lǐ cuàn zháo.
He eyed her in silence, feeling a stir of excitement.
Cultural Notes for 窜
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, the concept of exile is significant, with many historical figures being banished for political reasons. The term 窜 is often associated with narratives of political struggle and the theme of escape in Chinese literature.
Word Family of 窜
Compounds3
蹿cuan1to jump, to leap; to gush, to spurt
撺cuan1rush, hurry; to stir up, to urge; to fling, to throw
镩cuan1iron, pick, poker
Words Containing This Character11
窜cuànto flee竄
逃窜to run away逃竄
流窜to infiltrate流竄
窜逃to scurry off竄逃
窜改to alter竄改
抱头鼠窜to cover one's head and sneak away like a rat (idiom); to flee ignominiously抱頭鼠竄
窜扰to invade and harass竄擾
窜犯to raid竄犯
流窜犯criminal at large流竄犯
鼠窜to scamper off鼠竄
窜踞to flee in disorder and encamp somewhere竄踞
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蹿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 窜
Synonyms include 逃 (táo, to escape) and 跑 (pǎo, to run), but 窜 emphasizes a more chaotic or hurried escape.
Typically, 窜 carries a negative connotation of urgency or panic, so it is rarely used positively.
For example, you might say '他窜出了房子' (Tā cuàn chūle fángzi), meaning 'He fled out of the house'.
