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March 24, 2026
娩miǎn(mian3)
The character 娩 (miǎn) primarily refers to childbirth or the act of giving birth. It is commonly used in medical or formal contexts related to labor and delivery, as well as describing someone who is agreeable or complaisant in nature. The nuance of the word often emphasizes a sense of ease or smoothness in the process it describes.
Strokes10Radical女Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, childbirth is often celebrated, and the word 娩 reflects the importance of family and the continuity of life. Traditional practices around childbirth, such as the 'sitting month' (坐月子), emphasize care and recovery for new mothers.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mother (女) giving birth (娩) with ease and grace. The radical 女 (woman) symbolizes femininity and motherhood, while the phonetic part miǎn hints at a smooth, serene experience in childbirth. Visualize a calm birthing environment to reinforce the character's meaning.
Meanings of 娩
miǎn(mian3)
primary
1childbirth, labor
2to give birth to a child
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 娩
娩Simplified
10Strokes
女Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 娩
Podcast: 娩
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AI Study Notes for 娩
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a mother (女) giving birth (娩) with ease and grace. The radical 女 (woman) symbolizes femininity and motherhood, while the phonetic part miǎn hints at a smooth, serene experience in childbirth. Visualize a calm birthing environment to reinforce the character's meaning.
Usage Notes
When using 娩, it's important to be aware that it is more formal and is primarily used in medical contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words that may not relate to childbirth. Be cautious with tone; ensure to use the third tone (miǎn) correctly.
HSK Study Tips
Although not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding 娩 can enhance your medical and formal vocabulary. Focus on its pronunciation and context to recognize it in healthcare settings, which may also help with related terms like 生 (shēng, to give birth) and 产 (chǎn, childbirth).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, childbirth is often celebrated, and the word 娩 reflects the importance of family and the continuity of life. Traditional practices around childbirth, such as the 'sitting month' (坐月子), emphasize care and recovery for new mothers.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 娩 with the more commonly used 生 (shēng) for giving birth, leading to incorrect usage in casual contexts. Remember, 娩 is more formal and specific to childbirth scenarios.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 娩
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Grammar Patterns of 娩
娩 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 4 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
这家医院率先使用了分____池。
The hospital has pioneered the use of birthing pools.
The hospital has pioneered the use of birthing pools.
2
分娩过程最终非常顺利，生了个健康的男婴。
fēn miǎn guò chéng zuì zhōng fēi cháng shùn lì， ， shēng le gè jiàn kāng de nán。
In the end, it was an easy delivery: a fine baby boy.
3
有的母亲分娩时选择硬膜外麻醉。
yǒu de mǔ qīn fēn miǎn shí xuǎn zé yìng mó wài má zuì。
Some mothers choose to have an epidural when giving birth.
4
分娩时切开外阴以助生产的手术.
fēn miǎn shí qiē kāi wài yīn yǐ zhù shēng chǎn de shǒu shù.
Surgical incision of the perineum during childbirth to facilitate delivery.
Cultural Notes for 娩
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, childbirth is often celebrated, and the word 娩 reflects the importance of family and the continuity of life. Traditional practices around childbirth, such as the 'sitting month' (坐月子), emphasize care and recovery for new mothers.
Word Family of 娩
Words Containing This Character2
分娩labor
娩miǎncomplaisant
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 分娩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 娩
While both words relate to childbirth, 娩 specifically refers to the act of giving birth, whereas 生 is more general, meaning 'to give birth' or 'to bear.'
No, 娩 is typically used in formal or medical contexts rather than casual conversation.
It is pronounced with a third tone, miǎn, where the pitch starts medium, dips down, and then rises.
