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幻 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
幻
huàn
fantasy
n, 4 strokes, radical 幺, rank #5995, Hard
幻
huàn
fantasy, illusion, mirage; imaginary
n, 4 strokes, radical 幺, rank #5995, Hard
huàn(huan4)huan T4
1fantasy
2fantasy, illusion, mirage; imaginary
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March 24, 2026
幻huàn(huan4)
The character 幻 (huàn) refers to concepts of fantasy, illusion, or mirage. It is often used to describe something that is not real or is merely imagined, such as dreams or visions that deceive the senses. This word is commonly encountered in literature, art, and discussions around the nature of reality and perception.
Strokes4Radical幺Frequency#5995DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, 幻 is often associated with traditional storytelling and folklore, where illusions and fantastical elements play a significant role. It reflects a cultural appreciation for the mystical and the imaginative, as seen in classic works like 'A Dream of Red Mansions'.
Memory tip
Imagine a whimsical fairy (the 幻) that paints illusions in the air. The 'huàn' sounds like 'whimsy'—both evoke a sense of imagination and fantasy. The character's form includes the radical '幻', which looks like a person caught in a dream, creating a visual link to its meaning.
Meanings of 幻
huàn(huan4)
1fantasy
2fantasy, illusion, mirage; imaginary
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
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About 幻
幻Simplified
4Strokes
幺Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5995Frequency Rank
Podcast: 幻
Podcast: 幻
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AI study notes for 幻
Quick Contrast
幻 (huàn) vs 幻想 (huànxiǎng) — use 幻 for a more fleeting or illusory concept, while 幻想 refers specifically to an imagined idea or fantasy.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 幻 (huàn) with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its abstract nature when discussing real-life situations. Common collocations include 幻想 (huànxiǎng, fantasy) and 幻影 (huànyǐng, phantom).
HSK Study Tips
Although 幻 is not included in the official HSK levels, it shares roots with HSK vocabulary related to imagination and dreams, such as 梦 (mèng, dream). Students should focus on recognizing 幻 in literary contexts and practice using it with related terms to deepen their understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 幻 (huàn) with 还 (hái), which means 'still' or 'also'. For example, saying '我幻去' instead of '我还去' (I still go) is incorrect; the correct phrase would involve '还' to convey continuity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 幻
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The character 幻 (huàn) refers to concepts of fantasy, illusion, or mirage. It is often used to describe something that is not real or is merely imagined, such as dreams or visions that deceive the senses. This word is commonly encountered in literature, art, and discussions around the nature of reality and perception.
When to use 幻
Be careful not to confuse 幻 (huàn) with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its abstract nature when discussing real-life situations. Common collocations include 幻想 (huànxiǎng, fantasy) and 幻影 (huànyǐng, phantom).
幻 or something close to it
幻 (huàn) vs 幻想 (huànxiǎng) — use 幻 for a more fleeting or illusory concept, while 幻想 refers specifically to an imagined idea or fantasy.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 幻 (huàn) with 还 (hái), which means 'still' or 'also'. For example, saying '我幻去' instead of '我还去' (I still go) is incorrect; the correct phrase would involve '还' to convey continuity.
Write 幻
幻
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Grammar patterns of 幻
幻 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 2 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.
电影以写实开头，然后却发展成为荒诞的____想。
The film starts off realistically and then develops into a ridiculous fantasy.
Common confusions with 幻
幻vs环
huán
Similar shape but different meaning.
幻vs藐
miǎo
Similar phonetic sound and shape.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “fantasy”?
or
Example sentences for 幻 (10)
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1
电影以写实开头，然后却发展成为荒诞的幻想。
diànyǐng yǐ xiě shí kāitóu， ránhòu què fāzhǎn chéngwéi huāngdàn de huànxiǎng。
The film starts off realistically and then develops into a ridiculous fantasy.
2
这条河水流湍急，变幻莫测。
zhè tiáo hé shuǐliú tuān jí， biànhuànmòcè。
The current of the river is fast flowing and treacherous.
In everyday conversation, 幻 (huàn) can be used to describe anything that is not real or is a product of one's imagination. For example, you might say '他的故事完全是幻' meaning 'His story is completely a fantasy'. This highlights its use in discussing unreal scenarios.
Common phrases that use 幻 include 幻觉 (huànjué), which means 'hallucination', and 幻想 (huànxiǎng), meaning 'fantasy' or 'imagination'. These phrases are often used in literature and discussions about dreams and creative thinking.
You can use 幻 (huàn) in sentences like '这是一个幻影' which means 'This is an illusion'. It’s often combined with other words to discuss concepts related to fantasy or imagination, such as 幻想 (huànxiǎng) meaning 'fantasy' or 'daydream'.
幻 (huàn) means 'fantasy' or 'illusion' in Chinese. It is often used to describe something that is imaginary or not real, like a mirage. The character conveys a sense of something that exists only in the mind or imagination.
You can say 这是一个幻觉 (zhè shì yí gè huànjué), meaning 'This is an illusion.'
Yes, synonyms include 幻想 (huànxiǎng) for 'fantasy' and 魅影 (mèiyǐng) for 'phantom'.
While it's more common in literary contexts, you can use 幻 in casual discussions about dreams or movies with fantasy themes.
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