Meanings of 涓
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About 涓
Podcast: 涓
Podcast: 涓
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AI Study Notes for 涓
涓 (juān) vs 溪 (xī) — use 涓 for a gentle, small stream, while 溪 refers to a larger creek or stream.
While '涓' is more commonly seen in written Chinese, it may not be used frequently in daily conversation. Learners should be cautious to not confuse it with similar-sounding characters like '捐 (juān)', which means to donate. It is also important to use the correct tone, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.
Although '涓' is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of water-related terms often encountered in HSK materials. Focus on recognizing the character's components and how it can be used in phrases related to nature or purity.
Learners often confuse '涓' with '涓涓 (juān juān)', which means 'the sound of flowing water'. They may also mistakenly use it in informal settings where a more common term would be appropriate. For example, saying '我喜欢涓' instead of '我喜欢小溪 (xiǎo xī)', meaning 'I like the brook'.
Pronunciation of 涓
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Etymology of 涓
water
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 涓
- 1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half肙 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywater
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 涓? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 涓?
Decomposition of 涓
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 涓?
How to say brook, stream; pure; to select in Chinese
“brook, stream; pure; to select” in Chinese is涓
涓 (juān) refers primarily to a small stream or brook, symbolizing a gentle flow of water. It can also imply purity and selection, often used in contexts related to choosing or picking something carefully. This character can evoke imagery of a clear, flowing stream that is both serene and essential.
When to use 涓
While '涓' is more commonly seen in written Chinese, it may not be used frequently in daily conversation. Learners should be cautious to not confuse it with similar-sounding characters like '捐 (juān)', which means to donate. It is also important to use the correct tone, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.
涓 or something close to it
涓 (juān) vs 溪 (xī) — use 涓 for a gentle, small stream, while 溪 refers to a larger creek or stream.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '涓' with '涓涓 (juān juān)', which means 'the sound of flowing water'. They may also mistakenly use it in informal settings where a more common term would be appropriate. For example, saying '我喜欢涓' instead of '我喜欢小溪 (xiǎo xī)', meaning 'I like the brook'.
Write 涓
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Practice writing 涓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 涓
涓 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
阴愁的天空, 下着____涓细雨, 柔和而多情.
Worry about the sky overcast, the trickling of rain, soft and sentimental.
Example Sentences for 涓 (2)
Word Family of 涓
Compound Meaning
What does 涓涓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 涓
'涓' is often used in literary contexts to describe nature, especially in poetry. It can also appear in names or phrases that imply purity and careful selection.
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