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楗 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
楗jiànlatch, crossbarg, 12 strokes, radical 木
楗jiànmaterial (such as rocks, earth, bamboo etc) used to hastily repair a dikeunknown, 12 strokes, radical 木
楗jiàn(literary) door bar (vertical bar used to prevent the horizontal movement of a door bolt)unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木
jiàn(jian4)jian T4
  1. 1latch, crossbar
  2. 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
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

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About 楗

楗Simplified
12Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 楗

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Podcast: 楗

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AI Study Notes for 楗

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.

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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Etymology of 楗

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

wood

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)建
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

楗 = 木 + 建. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 楗

IDS Structure⿰木建
楗Full character
=
木Mu4
left
建jian4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 楗?

How to say latch, crossbar in Chinese

“latch, crossbar” in Chinese is楗jiàn

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.

When to use 楗

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.

What learners get wrong

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'.

Write 楗

楗

Practice writing 楗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 楗

Words containing this character1
楗jiànmaterial (such as rocks, earth, bamboo etc) used to hastily repair a dike

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.

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