HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #13797, Hard
揽
lǎn
to take into one's arms
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #13797, Hard
揽
lǎn
to embrace
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #13797, Hard
揽
lǎn
to fasten (with a rope etc)
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #13797, Hard
揽
lǎn
to take on (responsibility etc)
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #13797, Hard
揽
lǎn
to canvass
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #13797, Hard
lǎn(lan3) T3
1to grasp; to monopolize; to seize
2to take into one's arms
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March 24, 2026
揽(攬)lǎn(lan3)
The character 揽 (lǎn) primarily means to grasp or seize something, often conveying a sense of taking control or possession. It is used in both physical contexts, such as grasping an object, and abstract contexts like assuming responsibility or monopolizing a situation.
Strokes12Radical扌Frequency#13797DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'grasping' often extends beyond the physical to include taking on duties and responsibilities, reflecting a strong sense of collectivism and accountability. This character can be linked to the idea of leadership and the expectation to embrace responsibilities within a group.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong person (the radical 扌, meaning 'hand') reaching out to grasp a large, colorful lantern (the component 兰) with both hands. This action of embracing the lantern symbolizes the act of 'seizing' or 'taking' something important, helping you remember the pronunciation 'lǎn'.
Meanings of 揽
lǎn(lan3)
1to grasp; to monopolize; to seize
2to take into one's arms
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 揽
揽Simplified
攬Traditional
12Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 揽
Podcast: 揽
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AI Study Notes for 揽
Quick Contrast
揽 (lǎn) vs 抓 (zhuā) — use 揽 when emphasizing control or possession, while 抓 focuses on the action of catching or seizing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong person (the radical 扌, meaning 'hand') reaching out to grasp a large, colorful lantern (the component 兰) with both hands. This action of embracing the lantern symbolizes the act of 'seizing' or 'taking' something important, helping you remember the pronunciation 'lǎn'.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 揽 with similar verbs that have nuanced meanings, such as 抓 (zhuā), which means to catch or grab quickly. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about responsibilities or market competition.
HSK Study Tips
While 揽 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it shares the theme of action verbs with other HSK words. Students at this level should focus on its usage in phrases and contexts related to responsibility and control, as these are commonly encountered in daily conversations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'grasping' often extends beyond the physical to include taking on duties and responsibilities, reflecting a strong sense of collectivism and accountability. This character can be linked to the idea of leadership and the expectation to embrace responsibilities within a group.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 揽 with 抓, mistakenly using 揽 in contexts where quick actions are needed, like 'grabbing a cup'. For instance, saying 揽杯 (lǎn bēi) instead of 抓杯 (zhuā bēi) would be incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 揽
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Grammar Patterns of 揽
揽 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 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
Complete the Sentence
他是少数几个知道招____观众的演员之一。
He is one of the few players who puts bums on seats.
Example Sentences for 揽 (6)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他是少数几个知道招揽观众的演员之一。
tā shì shǎo shù jī gè zhī dào zhāo lǎn guān zhòng de yǎn yuán zhī yī。
He is one of the few players who puts bums on seats.
mài kè ěr āi zháo tā guì xià， ， yī xià bǎ tā lǎn rù huái。
Michael knelt next to her and scooped her into his arms.
Cultural Notes for 揽
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'grasping' often extends beyond the physical to include taking on duties and responsibilities, reflecting a strong sense of collectivism and accountability. This character can be linked to the idea of leadership and the expectation to embrace responsibilities within a group.
Word Family of 揽
Words Containing This Character13
揽lǎnto seize攬
招揽zhāolǎnto attract (customers)招攬
包揽to monopolize包攬
一揽子yìlǎnziall-inclusive一攬子
承揽to contract for an entire project承攬
独揽to monopolize獨攬
大包大揽dàbāodàlǎnto take complete charge (idiom)大包大攬
总揽to monopolize總攬
延揽to round up延攬
九天揽月to reach for the stars (idiom)九天攬月
收揽to win the support of收攬
兜揽to solicit兜攬
包揽词讼to canvas for lawsuits (idiom); to practice chicanery包攬詞訟
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 揽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 揽
Common phrases include 揽下责任 (lǎn xià zérèn), meaning 'to take on responsibility', and 揽货 (lǎn huò), meaning 'to canvass goods'.
Yes, 揽 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about responsibilities or business.
While both can mean to grasp, 揽 emphasizes taking control or responsibility, whereas 抓 focuses more on the action of catching or grabbing.
