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洵 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
洵xúntrue, real; truly, reallyg, 9 strokes, radical 氵
洵xúnwhirlpoolunknown, 9 strokes, radical 氵
xún(xun2)xun T2
  1. 1true, real; truly, really
  2. 2whirlpool
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March 24, 2026

洵xún(xun2)

The character 洵 (xún) conveys the meanings of 'true' or 'real,' often used to emphasize sincerity or authenticity in various contexts. It can also refer to a 'whirlpool,' illustrating a sense of dynamic movement. This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in literary or formal contexts.

Strokes9Radical氵
Cultural note

In classical Chinese literature, the concept of truth and authenticity is highly valued and is often explored through poetry and philosophy, making 洵 a character that resonates with deeper cultural themes.

Memory tip

Imagine a whirlpool (the second meaning) swirling around a large, shining gem that represents truth. The character 洵 has the water radical (氵) on the left, symbolizing its connection to liquid, while the right side hints at something precious and genuine—like true feelings or authenticity.

Meanings of 洵

xún(xun2)
1true, real; truly, really
2whirlpool
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 洵

洵Simplified
9Strokes
氵Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 洵

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Podcast: 洵

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AI Study Notes for 洵

Usage Notes

This character is generally used in formal writing or literature, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Be cautious with its tones; using the wrong tone could change the meaning entirely. It often appears in phrases that discuss truthfulness or reality.

HSK Study Tips

Although 洵 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is important for learners to recognize it as part of more complex phrases and literature. Students should also focus on characters with the water radical to build contextual understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 洵 with similar characters like 真 (zhēn) which also means 'true.' For instance, saying 洵 instead of 真 in everyday conversation can sound awkward. Correct usage would be to reserve 洵 for more formal contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 洵

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Etymology of 洵

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

water

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

Origin

洵 = 氵 + 旬. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 洵

IDS Structure⿰氵旬
洵Full character
=
氵shui3
left
旬xun2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 洵?

How to say true, real; truly, really in Chinese

“true, real; truly, really” in Chinese is洵xún

The character 洵 (xún) conveys the meanings of 'true' or 'real,' often used to emphasize sincerity or authenticity in various contexts. It can also refer to a 'whirlpool,' illustrating a sense of dynamic movement. This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in literary or formal contexts.

When to use 洵

This character is generally used in formal writing or literature, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Be cautious with its tones; using the wrong tone could change the meaning entirely. It often appears in phrases that discuss truthfulness or reality.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 洵 with similar characters like 真 (zhēn) which also means 'true.' For instance, saying 洵 instead of 真 in everyday conversation can sound awkward. Correct usage would be to reserve 洵 for more formal contexts.

Write 洵

洵

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

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Word Family of 洵

Words containing this character2
洵xúntruly
苏洵Su Xun (1009-1066), northern Song writer of prose蘇洵
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 洵

What does 苏洵 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 洵

It means 'true' or 'real' and can also refer to a 'whirlpool.'

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