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March 24, 2026
惭(慙)cán(can2)
The character 惭 (cán) conveys a sense of being ashamed or humiliated. It is often used in contexts where someone feels guilt or embarrassment about their actions or situation. This character can imply a moral or ethical shame, distinguishing it from mere embarrassment.
Strokes11Radical忄Frequency#25701DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, feelings of shame are often tied to social harmony and familial reputation, making 惭 a significant term in discussions about personal behavior and societal expectations. The concept of 'face' (面子) is deeply rooted in this character's usage.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person feeling ashamed, with their head bowed low, representing the character 惭. The left part of the character (忄) suggests 'heart' or 'emotion,' while the right part (𠂇) can remind you of a person hiding their face in shame, connecting both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 惭
cán(can2)
1ashamed
2ashamed, humiliated; shameful
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 惭
惭Simplified
慙Traditional
11Strokes
忄Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#25701Frequency Rank
Podcast: 惭
Podcast: 惭
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AI Study Notes for 惭
Quick Contrast
惭 (cán) vs 羞 (xiū) — use 惭 when referring to moral or ethical shame, while 羞 implies a more general sense of shyness or embarrassment.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person feeling ashamed, with their head bowed low, representing the character 惭. The left part of the character (忄) suggests 'heart' or 'emotion,' while the right part (𠂇) can remind you of a person hiding their face in shame, connecting both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 惭 (cán) with 愧 (kuì), which also means 'ashamed' but carries a slightly different connotation of guilt. While 惭 is generally more informal, be cautious about using it in formal writing; prefer 愧 in such contexts. Common collocations include 惭愧 (cánkuì) meaning 'ashamed.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 惭 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it enriches your vocabulary related to emotions, especially those linked to morality. Focus on its nuances compared to similar words like 愧 (kuì) and 羞 (xiū) at the same level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, feelings of shame are often tied to social harmony and familial reputation, making 惭 a significant term in discussions about personal behavior and societal expectations. The concept of 'face' (面子) is deeply rooted in this character's usage.
Common Mistakes
Students often mix up 惭 (cán) with 愧 (kuì), using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我感到惭' (Wǒ gǎndào cán) instead of the more appropriate '我感到愧' (Wǒ gǎndào kuì) can lead to confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 惭
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Grammar Patterns of 惭
惭 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
孩子表现不佳时要让他们知道，但不能让他们自____形秽。
When your children misbehave tell them without making them feel small.
Example Sentences for 惭 (5)
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1
孩子表现不佳时要让他们知道，但不能让他们自惭形秽。
hái zǐ biǎo xiàn bù jiā shí yào ràng tā mén zhī dào， ， dàn bù néng ràng tā mén zì cán xíng。
When your children misbehave tell them without making them feel small.
2
我对自己发那么大的火而深感惭愧。
wǒ duì zì jǐ fā nà mó dà de huǒ ér shēn gǎn cán kuì。
I felt incredibly ashamed of myself for getting so angry.
3
一方面东尼为车上的乘客感到惭愧.
yī fāng miàn dōng ní wéi chē shàng de chéng kè gǎn dào cán kuì.
On one hand, Tony was ashamed of the people on the train.
In Chinese culture, feelings of shame are often tied to social harmony and familial reputation, making 惭 a significant term in discussions about personal behavior and societal expectations. The concept of 'face' (面子) is deeply rooted in this character's usage.
Word Family of 惭
Words Containing This Character5
惭愧cánkuìashamed慚愧
惭cánashamed慙
大言不惭to talk big大言不慚
自惭形秽to feel inferior自慚形穢
羞惭a disgrace羞慚
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 惭愧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 惭
The correct pronunciation is cán, with a rising tone.
It's generally informal; for formal contexts, use 愧.
Not exactly; while they all relate to shame, each has its own nuances.
