Meanings of 柬
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About 柬
Podcast: 柬
Podcast: 柬
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AI Study Notes for 柬
Be cautious not to confuse 柬 with similar characters like 揀 (jiǎn) or 拣 (jiǎn), which can lead to misunderstandings. This character is typically used in written communications, so it leans towards a formal register. Common collocations include 柬信 (jiǎn xìn - note letter) or 请柬 (qǐng jiǎn - invitation).
Although 柬 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other characters related to communication and writing, such as 信 (xìn - letter) and 书 (shū - book). Focus on recognizing its usage in context and distinguishing it from similar characters.
Learners often confuse 柬 with 揀 or 拣, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我写一个揀给你' (wǒ xiě yī gè jiǎn gěi nǐ - I write a selection for you) instead of '我写一个柬给你' (wǒ xiě yī gè jiǎn gěi nǐ - I write a note for you) can cause misunderstanding.
Pronunciation of 柬
Drill the tone of 柬 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 柬
Two dots added to 束 (bind; bunch). Origin unclear.
A bound 束 package
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 柬
Two dots added to 束 (bind; bunch). Origin unclear.
- 1The giveawayA bound 束 package
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 柬? 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 柬?
Decomposition of 柬
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 柬?
How to say card in Chinese
“card” in Chinese is柬
The character 柬 (jiǎn) primarily refers to a 'note' or 'letter,' often used in contexts involving written communication such as invitations or cards. It is also an abbreviation for 柬埔寨 (Jiǎn pǔ zhài), which means Cambodia. This character carries nuances of formality and can be used in both personal and professional settings.
When to use 柬
Be cautious not to confuse 柬 with similar characters like 揀 (jiǎn) or 拣 (jiǎn), which can lead to misunderstandings. This character is typically used in written communications, so it leans towards a formal register. Common collocations include 柬信 (jiǎn xìn - note letter) or 请柬 (qǐng jiǎn - invitation).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 柬 with 揀 or 拣, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我写一个揀给你' (wǒ xiě yī gè jiǎn gěi nǐ - I write a selection for you) instead of '我写一个柬给你' (wǒ xiě yī gè jiǎn gěi nǐ - I write a note for you) can cause misunderstanding.
Write 柬
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Practice writing 柬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 柬
柬 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 8 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
她弄到了一张首映之夜的请____。
She had wangled an invitation to the opening night.
Example Sentences for 柬 (2)
Word Family of 柬
Compound Meaning
What does 练 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 柬
While 柬 refers specifically to notes or letters, 揀 (jiǎn) means to select or pick, often related to choosing items or options.
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