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March 24, 2026
仙xiān(xian1)
The character 仙 (xiān) refers to an immortal being or entity often associated with Taoism and Chinese mythology. It denotes not only immortals or deities but also fairies and transcendent beings who possess supernatural powers and wisdom, frequently revered in cultural stories and practices.
Strokes5Radical亻Frequency#4629DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 仙 is deeply embedded in Taoist beliefs, where immortals represent the ultimate pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and harmony with nature. Celebrations and festivals often include references to these mystical beings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old fairy (仙) floating in the clouds, surrounded by a halo of light. The character has a 'person' radical (人) on the left, suggesting it represents a being, while the right side implies something ethereal or divine, connecting to its meaning of 'immortal'.
Meanings of 仙
xiān(xian1)
1immortal
2god; fairy; immortal, transcendent
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
Play it, then pick what 仙 means.
About 仙
仙Simplified
5Strokes
亻Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#4629Frequency Rank
Podcast: 仙
Podcast: 仙
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AI Study Notes for 仙
Quick Contrast
神 (shén) - use 仙 (xiān) when referring specifically to immortals or fairy-like beings in Taoist context, while 神 (shén) generally refers to gods or deities in a broader sense.
Usage Notes
仙 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often found in literature and mythology. Be careful not to confuse it with related terms like 神 (shén), which means 'god' and has a broader context. Common collocations include 仙人 (xiān rén - immortal person) and 仙女 (xiān nǚ - fairy).
HSK Study Tips
Although 仙 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be useful for learners interested in literature and culture. Focus on its use in stories and idiomatic expressions to deepen your understanding of Chinese cultural nuances.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 仙 by using the wrong tone, such as saying 'xián' instead of the correct 'xiān'. Additionally, some confuse it with the character 神 (shén), which refers to gods rather than immortals.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 仙
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How Well Do You Know 仙?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 仙 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
仙 = 亻 + 山. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 仙
IDS Structure⿰亻山
仙Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
山Shan1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 仙?
How to say immortal in Chinese
“immortal” in Chinese is仙xiān
The character 仙 (xiān) refers to an immortal being or entity often associated with Taoism and Chinese mythology. It denotes not only immortals or deities but also fairies and transcendent beings who possess supernatural powers and wisdom, frequently revered in cultural stories and practices.
When to use 仙
仙 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often found in literature and mythology. Be careful not to confuse it with related terms like 神 (shén), which means 'god' and has a broader context. Common collocations include 仙人 (xiān rén - immortal person) and 仙女 (xiān nǚ - fairy).
仙 or something close to it
神 (shén) - use 仙 (xiān) when referring specifically to immortals or fairy-like beings in Taoist context, while 神 (shén) generally refers to gods or deities in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 仙 by using the wrong tone, such as saying 'xián' instead of the correct 'xiān'. Additionally, some confuse it with the character 神 (shén), which refers to gods rather than immortals.
Write 仙
仙
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Practice writing 仙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 仙
仙 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 2 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
云____山今天一直在向外喷涌火山灰、气体和火山岩。
Mount Unzen has been spewing out volcanic ash, gas, and rock today.
