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March 24, 2026
笕(筧)jiǎn(jian3)
The character 笕 (jiǎn) refers to a bamboo water pipe or conduit, typically used for transporting water. This term is often associated with traditional Chinese irrigation systems, where bamboo was a common material for constructing pipes due to its lightweight and durable nature.
Strokes10Radical⺮Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In rural China, bamboo is often used in sustainable practices, such as creating irrigation systems, which highlights the ingenuity of traditional agricultural methods and the significance of bamboo in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bamboo stalk (the radical bamboo, bamboo is 笔) that has been hollowed out to create a water pipe. Visualize water flowing through this bamboo pipe, which helps you remember both the shape and the sound of the character 笕 as 'jiǎn'.
Meanings of 笕
jiǎn(jian3)
1bamboo water pipe
2bamboo conduit
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 笕
笕Simplified
筧Traditional
10Strokes
⺮Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 笕
Podcast: 笕
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AI Study Notes for 笕
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bamboo stalk (the radical bamboo, bamboo is 笔) that has been hollowed out to create a water pipe. Visualize water flowing through this bamboo pipe, which helps you remember both the shape and the sound of the character 笕 as 'jiǎn'.
Usage Notes
Learners might confuse 笕 with other bamboo-related characters. It is primarily used in agricultural contexts or discussions about traditional Chinese construction. Be careful with the tone; the third tone (jiǎn) must be pronounced correctly to avoid confusion with other meanings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 笕 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be useful for HSK level 3 and above learners interested in environmental or agricultural topics. Focus on recognizing the bamboo radical and related terms to expand your vocabulary in this area.
Cultural Note
In rural China, bamboo is often used in sustainable practices, such as creating irrigation systems, which highlights the ingenuity of traditional agricultural methods and the significance of bamboo in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 笕 with similar characters like 笔 (bǐ), which means 'pen'. Always remember that 笕 specifically refers to a water pipe made of bamboo, while 笔 relates to writing instruments.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 笕
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Cultural Notes for 笕
🏮Cultural insight
In rural China, bamboo is often used in sustainable practices, such as creating irrigation systems, which highlights the ingenuity of traditional agricultural methods and the significance of bamboo in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 笕
Words Containing This Character1
笕jiǎnbamboo conduit筧
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 笕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 笕
Bamboo symbolizes resilience and flexibility in Chinese culture, often representing strength and endurance.
Try associating the sound 'jiǎn' with 'jian' as in 'jianzi' (the traditional Chinese shuttlecock), which also involves agility and movement.
Yes, characters like 筷 (kuài, chopsticks) and 笔 (bǐ, pen) also include the bamboo radical, highlighting its importance in various tools and objects.
