mild, modest, obedient; southeast; 5th of the 8 trigrams
HSK 7, g, 12 strokes, radical 巳, Very Hard
巽
xùn
to obey
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 巳, Very Hard
巽
xùn
one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing wood and wind
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 巳, Very Hard
巽
xùn
☴
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 巳, Very Hard
巽
xùn
ancient Chinese compass point: 135° (southeast)
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 巳, Very Hard
xùn(xun4) T4
1mild, modest, obedient; southeast; 5th of the 8 trigrams
2to obey
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March 24, 2026
巽xùn(xun4)
The character 巽 (xùn) encompasses meanings related to being mild, modest, and obedient. It is also associated with the southeast direction and represents one of the Eight Trigrams, symbolizing wood and wind in Chinese philosophy. In context, it often conveys the idea of compliance and gentleness.
Strokes12Radical巳Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of obedience represented by 巽 is significant in Confucian teachings, where modesty and compliance are valued traits. The southeast direction is also considered auspicious for certain activities, such as starting new ventures.
Memory Tip
Visualize a gentle breeze (representing 'wind') softly bending a tree (symbolizing 'wood'). The character 巽 has a flowing shape, reminiscent of the movement of wind through branches, which helps connect the sound 'xùn' with the meaning of softness and obedience.
Meanings of 巽
xùn(xun4)
1mild, modest, obedient; southeast; 5th of the 8 trigrams
2to obey
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 巽
巽Simplified
12Strokes
巳Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 巽
Podcast: 巽
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AI Study Notes for 巽
Memory Mnemonic
Visualize a gentle breeze (representing 'wind') softly bending a tree (symbolizing 'wood'). The character 巽 has a flowing shape, reminiscent of the movement of wind through branches, which helps connect the sound 'xùn' with the meaning of softness and obedience.
Usage Notes
When using 巽, be careful not to confuse it with other directional characters. It is more formal than casual terms for 'obey.' Common phrases include 巽而行 (to act obediently) and its use in traditional texts related to the I Ching. Watch for the tone; a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 巽 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other directional and philosophical terms at higher levels. Focus on understanding its usage in the context of the Eight Trigrams and how it relates to Chinese cosmology.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of obedience represented by 巽 is significant in Confucian teachings, where modesty and compliance are valued traits. The southeast direction is also considered auspicious for certain activities, such as starting new ventures.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 巽 in informal contexts where simpler words would suffice. For example, saying '我很巽' (I am very obedient) is incorrect; it's better to use '我很听话' (I am very obedient).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 巽
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Cultural Notes for 巽
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of obedience represented by 巽 is significant in Confucian teachings, where modesty and compliance are valued traits. The southeast direction is also considered auspicious for certain activities, such as starting new ventures.
Word Family of 巽
Words Containing This Character1
巽xùn☴
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 巽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 巽
It represents the trigram associated with wind and wood, symbolizing qualities of gentleness and obedience.
It is often used in formal contexts, especially in discussions of philosophy or traditional practices.
Yes, it can describe someone who is mild or obedient, but it is more commonly used in philosophical or directional contexts.
