Meanings of 笺
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 笺
Podcast: 笺
Podcast: 笺
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 笺
Learners often confuse 笺 with similar characters like 条 (tiáo) or 纸 (zhǐ), which also relate to writing. 笺 is more formal and should be used in literary settings rather than casual conversations. Remember to use it in contexts related to formal communication or traditional letters.
Though 笺 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to words like 纸 (zhǐ - paper) and 信 (xìn - letter). Students should focus on understanding its usage in formal contexts and how it complements other writing-related vocabulary.
Learners often mistakenly use 笺 interchangeably with 纸 (zhǐ) in casual contexts. For example, saying '我需要一个笺来写这个' (I need a 笺 to write this) is incorrect; instead, use '纸' for everyday paper.
Pronunciation of 笺
Drill the tone of 笺 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 笺
Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 戋 represents the sound. Simplified form of 箋.
bamboo
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 笺
Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 戋 represents the sound. Simplified form of 箋.
- 1The meaning half⺮ carries the sense.
- 2The sound half戋 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybamboo
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 笺? 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 笺?
Decomposition of 笺
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 笺?
How to say note, memo, letter; stationery; comments in Chinese
“note, memo, letter; stationery; comments” in Chinese is笺
The character 笺 (jiān) refers to a type of note or memo, often used in the context of stationery or paper for writing messages. It can also imply written comments or letters, highlighting its use in communication. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation but is recognized in literary and formal contexts.
When to use 笺
Learners often confuse 笺 with similar characters like 条 (tiáo) or 纸 (zhǐ), which also relate to writing. 笺 is more formal and should be used in literary settings rather than casual conversations. Remember to use it in contexts related to formal communication or traditional letters.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 笺 interchangeably with 纸 (zhǐ) in casual contexts. For example, saying '我需要一个笺来写这个' (I need a 笺 to write this) is incorrect; instead, use '纸' for everyday paper.
Write 笺
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 笺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 笺
笺 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Complete the Sentence
手边放一本便____簿,以便有问题时随时记下。
Keep a pad handy to jot down queries as they occur.
Example Sentences for 笺 (3)
Word Family of 笺
Compound Meaning
What does 笺 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 笺
Yes, while it's not as common in everyday conversation, 笺 is still recognized and used in formal writing contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 笺?
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.