Meanings of 孱
By ear
Play it, then pick what 孱 means.
About 孱
Podcast: 孱
Podcast: 孱
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 孱
弱 (ruò) - use 孱 (càn) when emphasizing frailty or inferiority, while 弱 (ruò) can refer to general weakness without the same connotation of low status.
Learners may confuse 孱 with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to tone. It is generally used in more formal contexts, and common collocations include 孱弱 (cànruò) meaning weak or frail. Be careful not to use it in a casual conversation where simpler terms like 弱 (ruò) might be more appropriate.
While 孱 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it shares roots with words like 弱 (ruò) and 衰弱 (shuāiruò), which also express weakness. Students should focus on recognizing the nuances of weakness conveyed by different characters as they expand their vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 孱 with the character 弱 (ruò), which means weak. For example, saying 孱的 (càn de) instead of 弱的 (ruò de) to describe someone as weak is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 孱
Drill the tone of 孱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 孱 to You
Let me explain 孱 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 孱 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 孱?
Learning Lab
Knowing 孱 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 孱
Weak 孨 in body 尸
Origin
What kind of character is 孱?
Decomposition of 孱
Parts
Which of these is part of 孱?
How to say feeble, frail, weak; unfit in Chinese
“feeble, frail, weak; unfit” in Chinese is孱
The character 孱 (càn) generally means feeble, frail, or weak. It is often used to describe someone who is physically weak or unfit, and can also connote lowly or inferior status in various contexts. This word may appear in literary or formal settings when discussing health or strength.
When to use 孱
Learners may confuse 孱 with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to tone. It is generally used in more formal contexts, and common collocations include 孱弱 (cànruò) meaning weak or frail. Be careful not to use it in a casual conversation where simpler terms like 弱 (ruò) might be more appropriate.
孱 or something close to it
弱 (ruò) - use 孱 (càn) when emphasizing frailty or inferiority, while 弱 (ruò) can refer to general weakness without the same connotation of low status.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 孱 with the character 弱 (ruò), which means weak. For example, saying 孱的 (càn de) instead of 弱的 (ruò de) to describe someone as weak is incorrect.
Write 孱
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 孱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 孱?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 孱
Words with 孱
What does 孱弱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 孱
It is pronounced as 'càn' with a falling tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 孱?
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.