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March 24, 2026
繩shéng(sheng2)
The character 繩 (shéng) refers to a string, rope, or cord, which is typically used for tying or binding objects together. It can also imply the concept of control, as in managing or restraining something. This term is commonly used in contexts involving physical objects or metaphorical control.
Strokes19Radical糹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese crafts, ropes made from natural materials are often used for various purposes, from construction to art. This reflects an appreciation for craftsmanship and the practical aspects of everyday life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong rope made of many threads (the radical 糸, meaning 'silk' or 'thread') binding two things together. The sound 'shéng' is like 'string' in English, which can help you visualize the connection between the character and its meaning.
Meanings of 繩
shéng(sheng2)
1string, rope, cord; to control
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 繩
繩Simplified
19Strokes
糹Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 繩
Podcast: 繩
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AI Study Notes for 繩
Quick Contrast
绳索 (shéngsuǒ) vs 繩 (shéng) — use 绳索 for a thicker or more specialized type of rope.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong rope made of many threads (the radical 糸, meaning 'silk' or 'thread') binding two things together. The sound 'shéng' is like 'string' in English, which can help you visualize the connection between the character and its meaning.
Usage Notes
When using 繩 in conversation, be mindful of the context, as it can refer to both physical ropes and metaphorical control. A common mistake is to confuse it with 绳 (shéng), which specifically means 'string' and is often used in a more delicate context.
HSK Study Tips
While 繩 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to other HSK words involving fabrics or materials, such as 布 (bù, cloth) or 线 (xiàn, thread). Focus on recognizing the radical 糸 to help identify related terms.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese crafts, ropes made from natural materials are often used for various purposes, from construction to art. This reflects an appreciation for craftsmanship and the practical aspects of everyday life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 繩 with 绳, thinking they are interchangeable. Remember that 繩 refers to thicker ropes or cords, while 绳 is specifically for finer strings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 繩
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Cultural Notes for 繩
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese crafts, ropes made from natural materials are often used for various purposes, from construction to art. This reflects an appreciation for craftsmanship and the practical aspects of everyday life.
Word Family of 繩
Words Containing This Character19
绳子shéngzicord繩子
绳shéngrope繩
绳索rope繩索
绳之以法to bring to justice繩之以法
冲绳Okinawa, Japan沖繩
跳绳to jump rope跳繩
缰绳reins韁繩
缆绳cable纜繩
准绳yardstick準繩
钢丝绳hawser鋼絲繩
绳梯a rope ladder繩梯
冲绳岛Okinawa Island沖繩島
冲绳县Okinawa prefecture, Japan沖繩縣
拧成一股绳(fig.) to unite擰成一股繩
头绳string to tie hair頭繩
绳套noose繩套
线绳string線繩
棕绳rope of palm fiber棕繩
绳墨same as 墨斗繩墨
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 绳子 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 繩
You can associate 'shéng' with the English word 'string.' Both have a similar sound and relate to tying or binding.
Yes, 繩 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in discussions about physical objects or control.
