deficient, lacking; to apologize, to regret, to be sorry
n, 14 strokes, radical 欠, rank #8053, Very Hard
qiàn(qian4)qian T4
1to apologize
2to regret
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March 24, 2026
歉qiàn(qian4)
The character 歉 (qiàn) primarily means 'to apologize' or 'to regret.' It is often used in formal contexts when expressing remorse or acknowledging a mistake. Additionally, it can indicate a sense of deficiency or lack, conveying an emotional depth in situations of regret.
Strokes14Radical欠Frequency#8053DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing an apology is deeply rooted in maintaining harmony and social relationships. The act of apologizing is often seen as a way to restore balance and show respect, reflecting the importance of interpersonal connections in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person (represented by the character's components) who is bending down in apology (the '弓' radical suggests bending), while the '欠' represents a lack or deficiency, as if they are short on something essential, like pride. This visual can help you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation 'qiàn.'
Meanings of 歉
qiàn(qian4)
1to apologize
2to regret
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 歉
歉Simplified
14Strokes
欠Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8053Frequency Rank
Podcast: 歉
Podcast: 歉
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AI Study Notes for 歉
Quick Contrast
歉 (qiàn) vs 道歉 (dàoqiàn) — use 歉 (qiàn) for a more formal or literary expression of regret, while 道歉 (dàoqiàn) is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
Usage Notes
Be careful when using 歉 in spoken language; it tends to be more formal and is often found in written contexts. Common collocations include '歉意' (qiànyì, meaning 'apology') and '道歉' (dàoqiàn, meaning 'to apologize'). Avoid using it in very casual conversations as it may sound overly serious.
HSK Study Tips
While 歉 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it enhances your comprehension of emotional expressions in Chinese. Focus on its usage in phrases and context to grasp its nuances, especially in formal situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 歉 with 对不起; for example, saying '我歉' instead of the more appropriate '我道歉' (Wǒ dào qiàn, meaning 'I apologize'). Ensure you use the full phrase to avoid confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 歉
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歉 = 欠 + 兼. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 歉
IDS Structure⿰兼欠
歉Full Character
=
兼jian1
left
欠qian4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 歉?
How to say to apologize in Chinese
“to apologize” in Chinese is歉qiàn
The character 歉 (qiàn) primarily means 'to apologize' or 'to regret.' It is often used in formal contexts when expressing remorse or acknowledging a mistake. Additionally, it can indicate a sense of deficiency or lack, conveying an emotional depth in situations of regret.
When to use 歉
Be careful when using 歉 in spoken language; it tends to be more formal and is often found in written contexts. Common collocations include '歉意' (qiànyì, meaning 'apology') and '道歉' (dàoqiàn, meaning 'to apologize'). Avoid using it in very casual conversations as it may sound overly serious.
歉 or something close to it
歉 (qiàn) vs 道歉 (dàoqiàn) — use 歉 (qiàn) for a more formal or literary expression of regret, while 道歉 (dàoqiàn) is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 歉 with 对不起; for example, saying '我歉' instead of the more appropriate '我道歉' (Wǒ dào qiàn, meaning 'I apologize'). Ensure you use the full phrase to avoid confusion.
Write 歉
歉
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Grammar Patterns of 歉
歉 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 4 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.
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Cultural Notes for 歉
💡Did you know?
'歉' is often used in formal apologies, such as in business settings or during conflicts, reflecting the importance of maintaining harmony in Chinese culture.
📜Proverb
There's a saying, '良药苦口', meaning 'good medicine tastes bitter', which implies that sometimes, apologizing can be difficult but is necessary for growth.
Word Family of 歉
Words Containing This Character7
抱歉bàoqiànto be sorry
道歉dàoqiànto apologize
歉意qiànyìapology
歉qiànto regret
致歉to apologize
歉疚remorseful
歉收crop failure
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 歉
What does 抱歉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 歉
You should use 歉 (qiàn) when you want to express an apology or regret, particularly in written contexts or formal situations. It's appropriate when addressing more serious matters where acknowledgment of a fault is necessary.
Both 歉 (qiàn) and 抱歉 (bàoqiàn) mean to apologize, but 抱歉 is more commonly used in spoken language and is considered slightly more formal. 歉 is more literary and less frequently used in everyday conversation.
You can use 歉 (qiàn) in sentences like '我对我的行为感到歉意' (Wǒ duì wǒ de xíngwéi gǎndào qiànyì), which means 'I feel regret for my actions.' It is often followed by a phrase indicating what one is apologizing for.
歉 (qiàn) means to apologize or express regret. It can also imply a sense of deficiency or inadequacy in a situation. This character is often used in contexts where one is acknowledging a mistake or shortcoming.
You can say '我对我的错误感到歉意' (Wǒ duì wǒ de cuòwù gǎndào qiànyì), meaning 'I feel regret for my mistake.'
It's more formal and typically used in written language or polite spoken contexts, rather than casual conversations.
对不起 (duìbùqǐ) is more commonly used in everyday speech for 'sorry,' while 歉 is more formal and implies a deeper sense of regret.
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