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March 24, 2026
埝niàn(nian4)
The character 埝 (niàn) refers to a dike or embankment, structures typically built to control water flow or prevent flooding. It can also denote a protuberance or raised area in the ground. This term is commonly used in agricultural contexts, especially in regions where irrigation and water management are crucial.
Strokes11Radical土Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese farming practices, managing water through dikes and embankments has been vital for crop success, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture. Festivals often celebrate the harvest, highlighting the significance of these structures.
Memory Tip
Think of the radical 土 (tǔ), which means 'earth' or 'ground,' combined with the character for 'year' 年 (nián), to visualize a raised earth structure like a dike that protects crops from floods over the years. Imagine a farmer proudly highlighting their embankment as a crucial part of their farm's success.
Meanings of 埝
niàn(nian4)
1dike, embankment; protuberance
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About 埝
埝Simplified
11Strokes
土Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 埝
Podcast: 埝
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AI Study Notes for 埝
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the radical 土 (tǔ), which means 'earth' or 'ground,' combined with the character for 'year' 年 (nián), to visualize a raised earth structure like a dike that protects crops from floods over the years. Imagine a farmer proudly highlighting their embankment as a crucial part of their farm's success.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 埝 with similar-sounding characters. It's important to use it in the correct context related to water management. The character is typically used in formal contexts, like agriculture or geography, rather than everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 埝 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with words related to agriculture, nature, and geography, such as 土 (earth) and 水 (water). Students should focus on understanding its applications in environmental discussions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese farming practices, managing water through dikes and embankments has been vital for crop success, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture. Festivals often celebrate the harvest, highlighting the significance of these structures.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 埝 as nián instead of niàn. Additionally, they might confuse it with characters like 堤 (dī), which also relates to water structures but has a different meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 埝
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Cultural Notes for 埝
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese farming practices, managing water through dikes and embankments has been vital for crop success, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture. Festivals often celebrate the harvest, highlighting the significance of these structures.
Word Family of 埝
Words Containing This Character1
埝niàndike around a paddy field
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 埝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 埝
While not commonly used in everyday conversation, it is significant in agricultural discussions regarding water management.
Yes, related terms include 堤 (dī), which also means embankment, and 河 (hé), meaning river.
The pronunciation is niàn, with a falling tone, similar to the sound in 'knee' but followed by a nasalized 'an'.