Meanings of 堑
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 堑
Podcast: 堑
Podcast: 堑
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 堑
When using 堑, remember that it is more formal and often pertains to historical or military contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with similar words like 坑 (kēng), which means 'pit' but lacks the defensive connotation. Be cautious of tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
Although 堑 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it shares components with other characters learned at HSK levels 1-3, such as 土 (earth) and 干 (to do). Students should focus on recognizing the radicals and understanding the character's historical significance.
Learners often confuse 堑 with 坑 (kēng) due to their similar meanings. For example, saying '我在城堡的坑里' (wǒ zài chéngbǎo de kēng lǐ) instead of '我在城堡的堑里' (wǒ zài chéngbǎo de qiàn lǐ) misuses the term, losing the context of defense.
Pronunciation of 堑
Drill the tone of 堑 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 堑
Phonosemantic compound. 土 represents the meaning and 斩 represents the sound. Simplified form of 塹.
earth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 堑
Phonosemantic compound. 土 represents the meaning and 斩 represents the sound. Simplified form of 塹.
- 1The meaning half土 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half斩 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayearth
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 堑? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 堑?
Decomposition of 堑
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 堑?
How to say moat, pit, trench; cavity in Chinese
“moat, pit, trench; cavity” in Chinese is堑
The character 堑 (qiàn) refers to a moat, pit, or trench, typically used for defensive purposes around a city. It can also represent a cavity or a hole in the ground. This term is often used in military contexts or when discussing historical architecture.
When to use 堑
When using 堑, remember that it is more formal and often pertains to historical or military contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with similar words like 坑 (kēng), which means 'pit' but lacks the defensive connotation. Be cautious of tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 堑 with 坑 (kēng) due to their similar meanings. For example, saying '我在城堡的坑里' (wǒ zài chéngbǎo de kēng lǐ) instead of '我在城堡的堑里' (wǒ zài chéngbǎo de qiàn lǐ) misuses the term, losing the context of defense.
Write 堑
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 堑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 堑
堑 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
吃一____长一智，他这个教训来之不易——是从他自己的亲身经历中得来的。
He learned this lesson the hard way from his own personal experience.
Example Sentences for 堑 (2)
Word Family of 堑
Compound Meaning
What does 堑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 堑
The correct pronunciation is qiàn, with a falling tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 堑?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.