unknown, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #29070, Very Hard
yuán(yuan2) T2
1low wall
2wall
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March 24, 2026
垣yuán(yuan2)
The character 垣 (yuán) refers to a low wall or fence, typically one that encloses a garden or yard. It conveys a sense of boundary and protection, often found in traditional Chinese architecture. This word is commonly used in contexts involving landscaping or property demarcation.
Strokes9Radical土Frequency#29070DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, gardens are often enclosed by low walls to create a sense of privacy and tranquility. This practice reflects the traditional value placed on harmony with nature and personal space.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small garden enclosed by a low wall. The character 垣 resembles a fence with its horizontal top and vertical sides, while the 'yu' sound can be remembered as 'you' wanting to keep your plants safe behind the wall.
Meanings of 垣
yuán(yuan2)
1low wall
2wall
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 垣
垣Simplified
9Strokes
土Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 垣
Podcast: 垣
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AI Study Notes for 垣
Quick Contrast
围 (wéi) - use 垣 (yuán) when referring specifically to a low wall or fence, while 围 (wéi) generally refers to encircling or surrounding something.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small garden enclosed by a low wall. The character 垣 resembles a fence with its horizontal top and vertical sides, while the 'yu' sound can be remembered as 'you' wanting to keep your plants safe behind the wall.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 垣 with similar characters like 墙 (qiáng), which means a taller wall. 垣 is more commonly used in informal contexts, especially in descriptions of gardens or yards. Remember to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
Although 垣 is not on the official HSK list, it is useful for learners at higher levels who are exploring architecture or gardening vocabulary. Focus on its pronunciation and how it connects with other words related to boundaries and enclosures.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, gardens are often enclosed by low walls to create a sense of privacy and tranquility. This practice reflects the traditional value placed on harmony with nature and personal space.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 垣 with 墙 (qiáng), leading to incorrect usage when describing types of walls. For example, saying '我有一个高的垣' (I have a tall wall) is incorrect; it should be '我有一个高的墙'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 垣
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Grammar Patterns of 垣
垣 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 4
Complete the Sentence
在我生长的伦敦，四周全是轰炸后的断壁残____。
In London, where I grew up, we were surrounded by bomb sites.
Example Sentences for 垣 (3)
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1
在我生长的伦敦，四周全是轰炸后的断壁残垣。
zài wǒ shēng cháng de lún dūn， ， sì zhōu quán shì hōng zhà hòu de duàn bì cán。
In London, where I grew up, we were surrounded by bomb sites.
2
我们找到一处矮石墙的残垣,歇了歇脚.
wǒ mén zhǎo dào yī chǔ ǎi shí qiáng de cán yuán, , xiē le xiē.
In 1644, a lone heap of stones from this remained.
Cultural Notes for 垣
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, gardens are often enclosed by low walls to create a sense of privacy and tranquility. This practice reflects the traditional value placed on harmony with nature and personal space.
Word Family of 垣
Words Containing This Character13
垣yuánwall
残垣断壁crumbling fences and dilapidated walls (idiom)殘垣斷壁
城垣city wall
长垣Changyuan county in Xinxiang 新鄉|新乡[Xīnxiāng], Henan長垣
墙垣wall牆垣
长垣县Changyuan county in Xinxiang 新鄉|新乡[Xīnxiāng], Henan長垣縣
襄垣县Xiangyuan county in Changzhi 長治|长治[Chángzhì], Shanxi襄垣縣
花垣县Huayuan county in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture 湘西土家族苗族自治州[XiāngxīTǔjiāzúMiáozúzìzhìzhōu]花垣縣
花垣Huayuan county in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture 湘西土家族苗族自治州[XiāngxīTǔjiāzúMiáozúzìzhìzhōu]
襄垣Xiangyuan county in Changzhi 長治|长治[Chángzhì], Shanxi
垣曲Yuanqu county in Yuncheng 運城|运城[Yùnchéng], Shanxi
垣曲县Yuanqu county in Yuncheng 運城|运城[Yùnchéng], Shanxi垣曲縣
颓垣断壁crumbling fences and dilapidated walls (idiom)頹垣斷壁
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 垣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 垣
It is pronounced as 'yuán' with a rising tone.
You might encounter phrases like '花园的垣' (huāyuán de yuán), meaning 'the wall of the garden'.
It is more commonly found in written Chinese, particularly in literary or descriptive contexts.
