material (such as rocks, earth, bamboo etc) used to hastily repair a dike
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
楗
jiàn
(literary) door bar (vertical bar used to prevent the horizontal movement of a door bolt)
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
jiàn(jian4) T4
1latch, crossbar
2material (such as rocks, earth, bamboo etc) used to hastily repair a dike
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March 24, 2026
楗jiàn(jian4)
The character 楗 (jiàn) refers to a latch or crossbar used to secure a door or gate. It can also denote materials like rocks or bamboo used in a temporary repair, such as for a dike. This term is often found in literary contexts where it describes mechanisms for securing doors or barriers.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, securing homes with strong latches was crucial for safety and privacy, reflecting the importance of security in Chinese culture. The use of natural materials for repairs, like bamboo, underscores the traditional connection to nature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy latch (jiàn) that holds a door shut, made from bamboo and rocks. Visualize a door that swings open too easily without the strong crossbar, reminding you that 'jiàn' is essential for security.
Meanings of 楗
jiàn(jian4)
1latch, crossbar
2material (such as rocks, earth, bamboo etc) used to hastily repair a dike
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 楗
楗Simplified
12Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 楗
Podcast: 楗
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AI Study Notes for 楗
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy latch (jiàn) that holds a door shut, made from bamboo and rocks. Visualize a door that swings open too easily without the strong crossbar, reminding you that 'jiàn' is essential for security.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 楗 with similar characters like 闩 (shuān), which also means latch but has different nuances. This term is more formal and is typically used in literary or technical contexts, so be mindful of using it in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 楗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other characters related to doors and security, like 门 (mén) for door. Focus on recognizing its usage in literary texts, which will enhance your understanding of advanced vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, securing homes with strong latches was crucial for safety and privacy, reflecting the importance of security in Chinese culture. The use of natural materials for repairs, like bamboo, underscores the traditional connection to nature.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 楗 in everyday conversation instead of more common terms like 闩. For example, saying '我需要一个楗' (I need a latch) may sound odd; instead, use '我需要一个闩'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 楗
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Cultural Notes for 楗
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, securing homes with strong latches was crucial for safety and privacy, reflecting the importance of security in Chinese culture. The use of natural materials for repairs, like bamboo, underscores the traditional connection to nature.
Word Family of 楗
Words Containing This Character1
楗jiànmaterial (such as rocks, earth, bamboo etc) used to hastily repair a dike
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 楗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 楗
While both refer to latches, 楗 (jiàn) is more formal and often used in literary contexts, whereas 闩 (shuān) is more commonly used in everyday language.
Yes, but it may sound overly formal; consider using it in writing or discussions about architecture or traditional practices.
