"seal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 26)
x, 2 strokes, radical 㔾, Very Hard
㔾
xiān
seal; kneeling person
x, 2 strokes, radical 㔾, Very Hard
㔾
xiān
"seal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 26)
x, 2 strokes, radical 㔾, Very Hard
xiān(xian1)
primary
T1
1seal; kneeling person
2"seal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 26)
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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Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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
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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
Podcast: 㔾
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AI Study Notes for 㔾
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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Cultural Notes for 㔾
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 㔾
In modern usage, 㔾 is primarily recognized as a radical associated with seals or stamps.
As 㔾 is more historical, it may not appear frequently in contemporary speech, but it can be found in texts discussing traditional practices involving seals.
It is one of the Kangxi radicals, serving as a building block for more complex characters related to authority and marking.
