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March 24, 2026
孫sūn(sun1)
The character 孫 (sūn) primarily means 'grandchild' or 'descendant' and is often used to refer to the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren. It can also serve as a common Chinese surname, representing lineage and heritage in family contexts.
Strokes10Radical子Frequency#29778DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of family lineage is highly valued, and terms like 孫 signify not just immediate relationships but also the importance of ancestry and familial duty. Elders often take pride in their grandchildren, reflecting the cultural emphasis on family continuity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grandfather sitting under a tree (the radical '子' means 'child' and resembles a person) while his grandchildren (孫) play around him, signifying the joy and continuity of family. The sound 'sūn' can remind you of 'sun', as in the 'sun' shining on the family tree.
Meanings of 孫
sūn(sun1)
1grandchild, descendent; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 孫
孫Simplified
10Strokes
子Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 孫
Podcast: 孫
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AI Study Notes for 孫
Quick Contrast
子 (zǐ) refers to 'child' in a more general sense, while 孫 (sūn) specifically denotes 'grandchild', indicating a generational difference.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grandfather sitting under a tree (the radical '子' means 'child' and resembles a person) while his grandchildren (孫) play around him, signifying the joy and continuity of family. The sound 'sūn' can remind you of 'sun', as in the 'sun' shining on the family tree.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 孫 (sūn) with similar characters. In informal contexts, it may be used casually, but in formal settings, especially when discussing family, the term carries a deeper respect. Common collocations include 孫子 (sūnzi - grandson) and 孫女 (sūnnǚ - granddaughter).
HSK Study Tips
While 孫 is not part of the HSK list, it connects well with words at HSK Level 3 and above that describe family relationships. Students should focus on how family terms are used in context as they expand their vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of family lineage is highly valued, and terms like 孫 signify not just immediate relationships but also the importance of ancestry and familial duty. Elders often take pride in their grandchildren, reflecting the cultural emphasis on family continuity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 孫 (sūn) with similar characters like 孩 (hái - child). A common mistake is using 孫 to mean 'child' instead of 'grandchild'. Remember, 孫 specifically designates descendants of the next generation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 孫
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Cultural Notes for 孫
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of family lineage is highly valued, and terms like 孫 signify not just immediate relationships but also the importance of ancestry and familial duty. Elders often take pride in their grandchildren, reflecting the cultural emphasis on family continuity.
Word Family of 孫
Words Containing This Character20
孙子sūnzigrandson孫子
孙Sūngrandson孫
孙女sūnnǚson's daughter孫女
子孙zǐsūnoffspring子孫
孙中山same as 孫逸仙|孙逸仙孫中山
外孙grandson外孫
孙继海Sun Jihai (1977-), Chinese footballer, played for Manchester City (2002-2008)孫繼海
外孙女daughter's daughter外孫女
孙悟空Son Goku, the main character in Dragon Ball 七龍珠|七龙珠[Qīlóngzhū]孫悟空
长孙eldest grandson長孫
公孙two-character surname Gongsun公孫
孙悦Sun Yue (1973-), PRC female pop star孫悅
孙燕姿Stefanie Sun (1978-), Singaporean singer-songwriter孫燕姿
孙权Sun Quan (reigned 222-252), southern warlord and king of state of Wu 吳|吴 in the Three Kingdoms period孫權
儿孙descendant兒孫
曾孙great-grandson曾孫
炎黄子孙descendants of the Fiery Emperor and the Yellow Emperor (i.e. Han Chinese people)炎黃子孫
孙策Sun Ce (175-200), general and major warlord of the Later Han Dynasty孫策
孙武Sun Wu, also known as Sun Tzu 孫子|孙子[Sūnzǐ] (c. 500 BC, dates of birth and death uncertain), general, strategist and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period (700-475 BC), believed to be the author of the “Art of War” 孫子兵法|孙子兵法[SūnzǐBīngfǎ], one of 孫武
孙坚Sun Jian (155-191), famous general at end of Han dynasty, forerunner of the southern kingdom of Wu of the Three Kingdoms孫堅
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 孙子 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 孫
孫 (sūn) refers specifically to grandchildren, while 兒子 (érzi) means son.
Yes, it can be used formally, especially when discussing family heritage.
Yes, 孫 is a common Chinese surname, especially in certain regions.
