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March 24, 2026
碱(鹻)jiǎn(jian3)
The character 碱 (jiǎn) refers to alkaline substances, specifically those that can neutralize acids. It is commonly used in chemistry to describe various compounds such as lye and soda, which have basic properties. You will encounter this term in scientific contexts, particularly in discussions about chemical reactions and properties.
Strokes14Radical石Frequency#12418DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and cooking, the concept of balancing acids and alkalines is significant, as it is believed to affect health and the body's harmony. Knowledge of alkaline substances can also be essential for understanding various historical medicinal practices.
Memory Tip
Think of 碱 (jiǎn) as a 'giant' (sounds similar) alkaline solution that can neutralize acids. The radical 石 (stone) suggests solidity, while the character's form resembles a strong foundation, just like how alkalines can stabilize and balance chemical reactions.
Meanings of 碱
jiǎn(jian3)
1alkaline, alkali, lye, salt
2soda (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 碱
碱Simplified
鹻Traditional
14Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 碱
Podcast: 碱
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AI Study Notes for 碱
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 碱 (jiǎn) as a 'giant' (sounds similar) alkaline solution that can neutralize acids. The radical 石 (stone) suggests solidity, while the character's form resembles a strong foundation, just like how alkalines can stabilize and balance chemical reactions.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 碱 (jiǎn) with 酸 (suān), which means acid; remembering the difference is crucial for chemistry contexts. This term is typically used in formal settings like laboratories or educational materials. Be mindful of using the correct tone; the third tone 'jiǎn' should not be confused with other tones.
HSK Study Tips
Although 碱 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 3 science-related terms such as 化学 (huàxué, chemistry) and 反应 (fǎnyìng, reaction). Focus on understanding its application in scientific phrases to enhance your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and cooking, the concept of balancing acids and alkalines is significant, as it is believed to affect health and the body's harmony. Knowledge of alkaline substances can also be essential for understanding various historical medicinal practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 碱 (jiǎn) when referring to acids, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我需要碱来中和酸' (I need alkali to neutralize acid) is correct, but ensure the context is clear that you are discussing alkaline substances.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 碱
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Grammar Patterns of 碱
碱 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 4
Complete the Sentence
结果提示:复方东莨菪____注射液为一有效抗惊厥药物.
It is suggested that CSI is an effective anticonvulsive drug.
In general ionic polymerization can be initiated through acidic or basic compounds.
Cultural Notes for 碱
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine and cooking, the concept of balancing acids and alkalines is significant, as it is believed to affect health and the body's harmony. Knowledge of alkaline substances can also be essential for understanding various historical medicinal practices.
Word Family of 碱
Words Containing This Character20
碱jiǎnbase鹼
胆碱choline (amine related to vitamin B complex)膽鹼
碱性alkaline鹼性
麻黄碱ephedrine麻黃鹼
生物碱alkaloid生物鹼
盐碱saline and alkaline (earth)鹽鹼
盐碱地saline soil鹽鹼地
茶碱Theophylline茶鹼
烧碱caustic soda NaOH燒鹼
碱基chemical base鹼基
纯碱soda ash純鹼
肉碱carnitine (biochemistry)肉鹼
烟碱nicotine煙鹼
碱化to make basic or alkaline鹼化
碱基对base pair (molecular biology)鹼基對
强碱strong alkali強鹼
碱度alkalinity鹼度
碱金属alkali metal鹼金屬
耐碱alkali-resistant耐鹼
弱碱weak base (alkali)弱鹼
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 碱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 碱
The correct pronunciation is 'jiǎn' with a third tone.
Common collocations include 碱性 (jiǎnxìng, alkaline) and 碱水 (jiǎn shuǐ, alkaline water).
It is primarily used in scientific contexts, so it may not frequently appear in casual conversations.
