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埏 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
shānboundary, limitg, 9 strokes, radical 土, Very Hard
shānto mix water with clayunknown, 9 strokes, radical 土, Very Hard
yánboundary, limitg, 9 strokes, radical 土, Very Hard
yánto mix water with clayunknown, 9 strokes, radical 土, Very Hard
shān(shan1)
primary
T1
  1. 1boundary, limit
  2. 2to mix water with clay
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
shān(shan1)

The character 埏 (shān) primarily refers to the concept of a boundary or limit, often in the context of physical boundaries like land or property. Additionally, it can describe the process of mixing water with clay, emphasizing the transformative action of combining elements to create something new.

Strokes9RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese pottery, the process of mixing clay with water is essential for creating functional and artistic pieces, reflecting the importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a clay pot being carefully shaped by hands at the boundary of a riverbank. The character 埏 consists of the radical 土 (tǔ), meaning earth or soil, suggesting the connection to clay, while the top part can be visualized as hands mixing water with clay at the edge of a boundary.

Meanings of 埏

shān(shan1)
primary
1boundary, limit
2to mix water with clay
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 埏

Simplified
9Strokes
Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 埏

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 埏

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a clay pot being carefully shaped by hands at the boundary of a riverbank. The character 埏 consists of the radical 土 (tǔ), meaning earth or soil, suggesting the connection to clay, while the top part can be visualized as hands mixing water with clay at the edge of a boundary.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 埏 with similar characters like 限 (xiàn), which also means limit but in a different context. This character is more formal and specific, so it's less common in everyday conversation. Be mindful of the tone as it can change the meaning in different contexts.

HSK Study Tips

Although 埏 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your grasp of characters related to boundaries and nature. Focus on the radicals and how they relate to earth and mixing concepts, which can help in learning other similar characters.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese pottery, the process of mixing clay with water is essential for creating functional and artistic pieces, reflecting the importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 埏 with 限 (xiàn) when discussing limits, leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying '我有几个埏' (I have a few boundaries) instead of '我有几个限' (I have a few limits) is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 埏

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Etymology of 埏

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

An earthen 土 roadblock 延

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 埏?

Decomposition of 埏

IDS Structure⿰土延
Full Character
=
Tu3
left
Yan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 埏?

Write 埏

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 埏

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese pottery, the process of mixing clay with water is essential for creating functional and artistic pieces, reflecting the importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture.

Word Family of 埏

Words Containing This Character1
shānto mix water with clay
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 埏 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 埏

It refers to a boundary or limit, and also the process of mixing water with clay.