Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
榫 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
榫sǔnmortise and tenon; to fit inton, 14 strokes, radical 木
榫sǔntenon (cabinetmaking)unknown, 14 strokes, radical 木
sǔn(sun3) T3
  1. 1mortise and tenon; to fit into
  2. 2tenon (cabinetmaking)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

榫sǔn(sun3)

The character 榫 (sǔn) refers to a mortise and tenon joint, a fundamental technique in woodworking and furniture making, especially in traditional Chinese carpentry. It describes a method where a protruding piece (tenon) fits into a corresponding hole (mortise) to create a strong connection between two pieces of wood. This technique is valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal in Chinese furniture design.

Strokes14Radical木
Cultural Note

榫 is a key element of traditional Chinese architecture and furniture making, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. It reflects the Chinese value placed on harmony and balance in design, as well as the emphasis on durability and functionality in home furnishings.

Memory Tip

Think of 榫 (sǔn) as a 'sun' shining down on two pieces of wood that fit together perfectly, like puzzle pieces. The radical 木 (wood) in 榫 hints at its connection to carpentry, while the sound 'sǔn' can remind you of 'sun' which helps illuminate the beautiful craft of woodworking.

Meanings of 榫

sǔn(sun3)
1mortise and tenon; to fit into
2tenon (cabinetmaking)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 榫

榫Simplified
14Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 榫

JasonAmy

Podcast: 榫

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 榫

Usage Notes

When using 榫, it's important to distinguish it from similar terms related to woodworking. Be mindful of its specific application in carpentry contexts, as using it in general discussions about fitting or joining may lead to confusion. This term is more formal and technical, often appearing in specialized discussions about traditional crafts.

HSK Study Tips

Although 榫 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other woodworking-related terms like 木 (wood) and 工 (work). Students should focus on pronunciation and the context of usage in traditional crafts to fully understand its significance.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 榫 with other woodworking terms like 插 (chā, to insert) or 连接 (liánjiē, to connect). Remember that 榫 specifically refers to the mortise and tenon joint, which is a distinct technique in carpentry.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 榫

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 榫 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 榫

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

wood

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)隼
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 榫

  1. 1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half隼 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaywood
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 榫? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 榫?

Decomposition of 榫

IDS Structure⿰木隼
榫Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
隼sun3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 榫?

How to say mortise and tenon; to fit into in Chinese

“mortise and tenon; to fit into” in Chinese is榫sǔn

The character 榫 (sǔn) refers to a mortise and tenon joint, a fundamental technique in woodworking and furniture making, especially in traditional Chinese carpentry. It describes a method where a protruding piece (tenon) fits into a corresponding hole (mortise) to create a strong connection between two pieces of wood. This technique is valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal in Chinese furniture design.

When to use 榫

When using 榫, it's important to distinguish it from similar terms related to woodworking. Be mindful of its specific application in carpentry contexts, as using it in general discussions about fitting or joining may lead to confusion. This term is more formal and technical, often appearing in specialized discussions about traditional crafts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 榫 with other woodworking terms like 插 (chā, to insert) or 连接 (liánjiē, to connect). Remember that 榫 specifically refers to the mortise and tenon joint, which is a distinct technique in carpentry.

Write 榫

榫

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 榫

榫 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 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

你分组件买这个书橱,再把它们卡____对准组合在一起.

You buy this bookcase in sections and slot them together.

Example Sentences for 榫 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
你分组件买这个书橱,再把它们卡榫对准组合在一起.

nǐ fēn zǔ jiàn mǎi zhè gè shū chú, , zài bǎ tā mén kǎ sǔn duì zhǔn zǔ hé zài yī.

You buy this bookcase in sections and slot them together.

Word Family of 榫

Words Containing This Character3
榫sǔntenon (cabinetmaking)
榫头tenon (wooden projection to fit into a mortise)榫頭
榫眼mortise (slot cut into wood to receive a tenon)
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 榫 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 榫

榫 refers to a mortise and tenon joint, a method used to join two pieces of wood together securely.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 榫?

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.