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March 24, 2026
侵qīn(qin1)
The character 侵 (qīn) refers to the act of invading or encroaching upon someone else's territory, rights, or privacy. It is commonly used in both military and legal contexts to describe actions that violate boundaries or laws. This word carries a negative connotation, suggesting aggression or unlawful behavior.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#19731DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of 侵 has significant implications related to territorial disputes and national sovereignty, particularly in discussions about historical invasions and modern geopolitical issues. This reflects a deep-rooted cultural sensitivity towards invasion and encroachment.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sneaky creature (the character 侵) creeping into someone’s garden, representing how invasions occur without permission. The left radical, '氵' (water), can remind you of how an invading force flows in like water, while '侵' sounds like 'keen', as in being keen to break in.
Meanings of 侵
qīn(qin1)
1to invade
2to encroach
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 侵
侵Simplified
9Strokes
亻Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#19731Frequency Rank
Podcast: 侵
Podcast: 侵
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AI Study Notes for 侵
Quick Contrast
侵 (qīn) vs 侵犯 (qīnfàn) — use 侵 for the act of invading, while 侵犯 emphasizes the violation of rights or privacy.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sneaky creature (the character 侵) creeping into someone’s garden, representing how invasions occur without permission. The left radical, '氵' (water), can remind you of how an invading force flows in like water, while '侵' sounds like 'keen', as in being keen to break in.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 侵; it is pronounced with a high-level tone (first tone). This word is often used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about law and military. Common collocations include 侵权 (qīnquán, to infringe on rights) and 侵略 (qīnluè, to invade).
HSK Study Tips
Although 侵 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is useful for learners at HSK 4 and above due to its relevance in legal and political discussions. Focus on understanding its usage in context with other words like 权 (quán, rights) and 陆 (lù, land) to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of 侵 has significant implications related to territorial disputes and national sovereignty, particularly in discussions about historical invasions and modern geopolitical issues. This reflects a deep-rooted cultural sensitivity towards invasion and encroachment.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 侵 with similar-sounding words like 亲 (qīn, to be close) due to pronunciation similarities. It's crucial to remember that 侵 has a negative connotation related to invasion, while 亲 conveys warmth and closeness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 侵
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Grammar Patterns of 侵
侵 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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 4
Complete the Sentence
你要清楚他们可能会就这起人身____犯案毫不留情地盘问你。
You know you are liable to be cross-examined mercilessly about the assault.
This leaves fertile soil unprotected and prone to erosion.
10
这家人试图以侵犯人身为由对他提起自诉。
zhè jiā rén shì tú yǐ qīn fàn rén shēn wéi yóu duì tā tí qǐ zì sù。
The family tried to bring a private prosecution against him for assault.
Cultural Notes for 侵
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, the concept of 侵 has significant implications related to territorial disputes and national sovereignty, particularly in discussions about historical invasions and modern geopolitical issues. This reflects a deep-rooted cultural sensitivity towards invasion and encroachment.
Word Family of 侵
Compounds3
寑
葠
蘉
Words Containing This Character20
侵犯qīnfànto infringe on
入侵rùqīnto invade
侵略qīnèinvasion
侵入to invade
侵害qīnhàito encroach on
侵权qīnquánto violate侵權
侵qīnto invade
侵蚀to erode侵蝕
侵占qīnzhànto invade and occupy (territory)侵佔
侵略者aggressors
侵袭to invade侵襲
侵华to invade China (referring to 19th century imperialist powers and Japan)侵華
侵略战争war of aggression侵略戰爭
侵吞to annex
侵略军invading army侵略軍
侵扰to invade and harass侵擾
入侵者intruder
性侵犯to molest
互不侵犯non-aggression
神圣不可侵犯sacred神聖不可侵犯
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 侵犯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 侵
Common phrases include 侵权 (to infringe on rights) and 侵略 (to invade).
It is more commonly used in formal or written contexts, especially when discussing legal or political matters.
Focus on the first tone and associate the pronunciation with the word 'keen' to recall its meaning of encroachment.
