Meanings of 惭
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 惭
Podcast: 惭
Podcast: 惭
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 惭
惭 (cán) vs 羞 (xiū) — use 惭 when referring to moral or ethical shame, while 羞 implies a more general sense of shyness or embarrassment.
Learners often confuse 惭 (cán) with 愧 (kuì), which also means 'ashamed' but carries a slightly different connotation of guilt. While 惭 is generally more informal, be cautious about using it in formal writing; prefer 愧 in such contexts. Common collocations include 惭愧 (cánkuì) meaning 'ashamed.'
Although 惭 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it enriches your vocabulary related to emotions, especially those linked to morality. Focus on its nuances compared to similar words like 愧 (kuì) and 羞 (xiū) at the same level.
Students often mix up 惭 (cán) with 愧 (kuì), using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我感到惭' (Wǒ gǎndào cán) instead of the more appropriate '我感到愧' (Wǒ gǎndào kuì) can lead to confusion.
Pronunciation of 惭
Drill the tone of 惭 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 惭
Phonosemantic compound. 忄 represents the meaning and 斩 represents the sound. Simplified form of 慚.
heart
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 惭
Phonosemantic compound. 忄 represents the meaning and 斩 represents the sound. Simplified form of 慚.
- 1The meaning half忄 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half斩 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayheart
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 惭? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 惭?
Decomposition of 惭
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 惭?
How to say ashamed in Chinese
“ashamed” in Chinese is惭
The character 惭 (cán) conveys a sense of being ashamed or humiliated. It is often used in contexts where someone feels guilt or embarrassment about their actions or situation. This character can imply a moral or ethical shame, distinguishing it from mere embarrassment.
When to use 惭
Learners often confuse 惭 (cán) with 愧 (kuì), which also means 'ashamed' but carries a slightly different connotation of guilt. While 惭 is generally more informal, be cautious about using it in formal writing; prefer 愧 in such contexts. Common collocations include 惭愧 (cánkuì) meaning 'ashamed.'
惭 or something close to it
惭 (cán) vs 羞 (xiū) — use 惭 when referring to moral or ethical shame, while 羞 implies a more general sense of shyness or embarrassment.
What learners get wrong
Students often mix up 惭 (cán) with 愧 (kuì), using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我感到惭' (Wǒ gǎndào cán) instead of the more appropriate '我感到愧' (Wǒ gǎndào kuì) can lead to confusion.
Write 惭
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 惭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 惭
惭 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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.
Complete the Sentence
孩子表现不佳时要让他们知道，但不能让他们自____形秽。
When your children misbehave tell them without making them feel small.
Example Sentences for 惭 (5)
Word Family of 惭
Compound Meaning
What does 惭愧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 惭
The correct pronunciation is cán, with a rising tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 惭?
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.