Meanings of 温
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About 温
Podcast: 温
Podcast: 温
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AI Study Notes for 温
温 (wēn) vs 热 (rè) — use 温 for mild warmth or comfort, while 热 indicates high temperature or heat.
Imagine a cozy room (温) where the temperature is just right—not too hot, not too cold. The character 温 has the radical for water (氵) on the left, suggesting the warmth of a gentle stream. Picture yourself warming your hands over a soft, soothing fire, and you'll remember that 温 means warm.
A common mistake is to confuse 温 with 热 (rè), which means 'hot.' Use 温 in contexts that require a softer, milder term. Additionally, 温 is often paired with terms like 温暖 (wēnnuǎn, warm) and 温度 (wēndù, temperature), which are useful in both casual and formal conversations.
温 is not included in the HSK levels 1-6, but it connects well with other words related to temperature and feelings. Focus on its usage in everyday contexts, particularly in conversations about weather or comfort levels. Understanding this character can enhance your vocabulary around emotions and physical sensations.
In Chinese culture, the concept of warmth (温) often extends to interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the importance of warmth in hospitality and family life. The idea of a warm home is deeply ingrained in the cultural value placed on family and community connections.
Learners often confuse 温 with 冷 (lěng), which means 'cold.' For example, saying 温水 (wēn shuǐ) means 'warm water' but mistakenly using it for 'cold water' is incorrect. Always remember 温 refers to warmth.
Pronunciation of 温
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Etymology of 温
Simplified form of 溫. Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 𥁕 represents the sound.
water
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 温?
Decomposition of 温
Identify the Components
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Write 温
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Practice writing 温 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 温
温 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 14 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
护士把体____计甩了甩，然后放到了我的腋下。
The nurse shook the thermometer and put it under my armpit.
Common Confusions with 温
Similar pronunciation, but represents a different concept.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "warm"?
Example Sentences for 温 (10)
Cultural Notes for 温
In Chinese culture, the concept of '温' is not just about temperature; it also embodies the idea of comfort and gentleness, often associated with nurturing and caring relationships.
In Chinese culture, the concept of warmth (温) often extends to interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the importance of warmth in hospitality and family life. The idea of a warm home is deeply ingrained in the cultural value placed on family and community connections.
Word Family of 温
Compound Meaning
What does 温暖 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 温
Synonyms for 温 include 暖 (nuǎn), which also means 'warm,' and 热 (rè), which means 'hot.' Understanding these synonyms can help you grasp the nuances of temperature-related vocabulary in Chinese.