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March 24, 2026
帘lián(lian2)
The character 帘 (lián) refers to a curtain or hanging screen, often used to denote a decorative or functional fabric that separates spaces. It can also signify a flag or a sign used by shops and taverns. In both contexts, it serves to enhance privacy or convey information.
Strokes8Radical巾Frequency#17534DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, curtains (帘) were often used to create privacy in homes and shops, reflecting cultural values of modesty and separation of public and private spaces.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, colorful curtain (帘) waving like a flag in front of a shop. The character 帘 has a 'roof' (亻) on top, suggesting it covers something underneath, just like how a curtain covers windows. The pronunciation 'lián' sounds like 'lean', as if you lean against a curtain while peeking through.
Meanings of 帘
lián(lian2)
1flag used as a shop sign
2hanging screen or curtain
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 帘 means.
About 帘
帘Simplified
8Strokes
巾Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#17534Frequency Rank
Podcast: 帘
Podcast: 帘
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AI Study Notes for 帘
Quick Contrast
帷 (wéi) - use 帘 (lián) for a curtain that hangs and can be drawn, while 帷 (wéi) typically refers to a more permanent or fixed drapery, often associated with tents or canopies.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 帘 with similar characters like 簾, which specifically refers to a bamboo curtain. This term is generally informal and often used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Note the tone: it is pronounced with a rising tone (lián), which can be easily mixed up with other tones.
HSK Study Tips
While 帘 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners focusing on everyday objects and home vocabulary. Students should pay attention to context when using this word, especially in relation to home decor or shop settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 帘 with 簾, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我买了一个簾' (I bought a curtain) instead of '我买了一个帘' is incorrect when referring to a typical fabric curtain.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 帘
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How Well Do You Know 帘?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 帘 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.
The character 帘 (lián) refers to a curtain or hanging screen, often used to denote a decorative or functional fabric that separates spaces. It can also signify a flag or a sign used by shops and taverns. In both contexts, it serves to enhance privacy or convey information.
When to use 帘
Common mistakes include confusing 帘 with similar characters like 簾, which specifically refers to a bamboo curtain. This term is generally informal and often used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Note the tone: it is pronounced with a rising tone (lián), which can be easily mixed up with other tones.
帘 or something close to it
帷 (wéi) - use 帘 (lián) for a curtain that hangs and can be drawn, while 帷 (wéi) typically refers to a more permanent or fixed drapery, often associated with tents or canopies.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 帘 with 簾, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我买了一个簾' (I bought a curtain) instead of '我买了一个帘' is incorrect when referring to a typical fabric curtain.
Write 帘
帘
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Practice writing 帘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 帘
帘 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____子作为分隔物将这间教室和另一间分开。
A curtain acted as a divider between this class and another.
