Meanings of 灣
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 灣
Podcast: 灣
Podcast: 灣
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 灣
When using 灣, be mindful of its context; it is typically used in geographical descriptions rather than in everyday conversation. Common phrases include '海灣' (hǎiwān - sea bay) and '湖灣' (húwān - lake bay). Avoid confusing it with '湾' (wān) when used informally, as this can imply a more casual meaning.
Although 灣 is not listed in HSK levels, it is useful for learners at HSK 3 and above, especially those interested in travel or geography. Focus on recognizing related terms such as '海' (hǎi - sea) and '湖' (hú - lake) to enhance your vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 灣 with '湾' (also wān), which is a simplified character used in informal contexts. Remember that 灣 is the traditional form and is often used in more formal or geographical contexts.
Pronunciation of 灣
Drill the tone of 灣 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 灣
Simplified form of 灣. Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 彎 represents the sound.
water
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 灣
Simplified form of 灣. Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 彎 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half彎 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 灣? 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 灣?
Decomposition of 灣
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 灣?
How to say bay, cove, gulf, inlet in Chinese
“bay, cove, gulf, inlet” in Chinese is灣
灣 (wān) refers to a body of water that is partly enclosed by land, commonly known as a bay or cove. It is used in geographical contexts to describe coastal features and can also appear in place names. The term evokes a sense of calmness and natural beauty often associated with coastal landscapes.
When to use 灣
When using 灣, be mindful of its context; it is typically used in geographical descriptions rather than in everyday conversation. Common phrases include '海灣' (hǎiwān - sea bay) and '湖灣' (húwān - lake bay). Avoid confusing it with '湾' (wān) when used informally, as this can imply a more casual meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 灣 with '湾' (also wān), which is a simplified character used in informal contexts. Remember that 灣 is the traditional form and is often used in more formal or geographical contexts.
Write 灣
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 灣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 灣
Compound Meaning
What does 台湾 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 灣
The pinyin is 'wān' with a high-level tone, so make sure to hold the tone steady.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 灣?
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.