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㔾 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
㔾jiéseal; kneeling personx, 2 strokes, radical 㔾
㔾jié"seal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 26)x, 2 strokes, radical 㔾
㔾xiānseal; kneeling personx, 2 strokes, radical 㔾
㔾xiān"seal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 26)x, 2 strokes, radical 㔾
xiān(xian1)
primary
 T1
  1. 1seal; kneeling person
  2. 2"seal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 26)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

㔾xiān(xian1)

The character 㔾 (xiān) represents the concept of a 'seal' or 'stamp' in Chinese, often used in the context of marking documents or authenticating items. It also signifies a kneeling person, indicating a position of respect or submission. The character is primarily used in calligraphy and classical texts, where it serves as a radical in forming other characters.

Strokes2Radical㔾
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, seals were often used by officials and scholars as a mark of authenticity and authority, reflecting the importance of written documents in governance and literature.

Memory Tip

Imagine a seal that leaves a mark, resembling a kneeling person pressing down to create an impression. The character 㔾 looks like a person on their knees, ensuring that their seal is pressed firmly into the document, emphasizing its importance.

Meanings of 㔾

xiān(xian1)
primary
1seal; kneeling person
2"seal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 26)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 㔾

㔾Simplified
2Strokes
㔾Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 㔾

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Podcast: 㔾

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AI Study Notes for 㔾

Usage Notes

This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation, so students may encounter it mainly in literary or historical texts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters; for example, the character for 'seal' in modern contexts may appear differently. It is usually used in formal contexts.

HSK Study Tips

Though 㔾 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding this character can help students recognize radicals and their meanings within other characters. Focus on how 㔾 connects to concepts of authority and respect in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 㔾 with other similar-seeming characters like '印' (yìn), which also means 'seal' but is used more commonly today. Remember, 㔾 is more about the traditional or formal aspects of sealing.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 㔾

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Etymology of 㔾

Formation TypePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Memory Hint

A rolled-up scroll or kneeling person; compare 卩

Learn more about Pictograph (象形字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 㔾

  1. 1The giveawayA rolled-up scroll or kneeling person; compare 卩
  2. 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 㔾? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 㔾?

How to say seal; kneeling person in Chinese

“seal; kneeling person” in Chinese is㔾jié

The character 㔾 (xiān) represents the concept of a 'seal' or 'stamp' in Chinese, often used in the context of marking documents or authenticating items. It also signifies a kneeling person, indicating a position of respect or submission. The character is primarily used in calligraphy and classical texts, where it serves as a radical in forming other characters.

When to use 㔾

This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation, so students may encounter it mainly in literary or historical texts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters; for example, the character for 'seal' in modern contexts may appear differently. It is usually used in formal contexts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 㔾 with other similar-seeming characters like '印' (yìn), which also means 'seal' but is used more commonly today. Remember, 㔾 is more about the traditional or formal aspects of sealing.

Write 㔾

㔾

Practice writing 㔾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about 㔾

In modern usage, 㔾 is primarily recognized as a radical associated with seals or stamps.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 㔾?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.