Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
纤(縴)qiàn(qian4)
The character 纤 (qiàn) primarily refers to something that is fine, delicate, or minute. It is often used to describe thin threads, subtle details, or anything that possesses a delicate quality. Common contexts include fashion, art, and descriptions of small objects or features.
Strokes6Radical纟Frequency#17204DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of delicacy is highly valued, especially in traditional arts like silk weaving, where 纤 represents the fine threads used to create beautiful textiles. This appreciation for fine craftsmanship is evident in practices like calligraphy and painting.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny, delicate thread (纤) being used to sew a fine garment. The character 纤 looks like a thread being pulled taut, reminding you that it represents something fine or delicate. Visualize the thread as being so thin that it could easily break, emphasizing its fragility.
Meanings of 纤
qiàn(qian4)
primary
1boatman's tow-rope
2fine
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 纤
纤Simplified
縴Traditional
6Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#17204Frequency Rank
Podcast: 纤
Podcast: 纤
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 纤
Quick Contrast
细 (xì) - use 纤 (qiàn) for a more nuanced emphasis on delicacy, while 细 (xì) generally refers to thinness without the same connotation of fineness.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, delicate thread (纤) being used to sew a fine garment. The character 纤 looks like a thread being pulled taut, reminding you that it represents something fine or delicate. Visualize the thread as being so thin that it could easily break, emphasizing its fragility.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 纤 with similar-sounding characters, as it is specific to delicacy and fineness. This character is more commonly used in written language and formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless appropriate. Common collocations include 纤维 (fiber) and 纤细 (slender).
HSK Study Tips
While 纤 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it relates to HSK words about fabrics and delicacy, such as 纺 (to spin) and 细 (fine). Focus on recognizing its use in compound words and descriptions related to texture and quality.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of delicacy is highly valued, especially in traditional arts like silk weaving, where 纤 represents the fine threads used to create beautiful textiles. This appreciation for fine craftsmanship is evident in practices like calligraphy and painting.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 纤 with similar characters like 细 (xì) which also means fine, but lacks the connotation of delicacy. For example, saying '这条线很细' (This line is very fine) when describing something delicate should use 纤: '这条线很纤'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 纤
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 纤 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 纤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 纤
纤 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 5 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
在色拉中加入意大利面条，增加你的____维摄入量。
Add pasta to your salads to bump up your fibre intake.
Example Sentences for 纤 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
在色拉中加入意大利面条，增加你的纤维摄入量。
zài sè lā zhōng jiā rù yì dà lì miàn tiáo， ， zēng jiā nǐ de xiān wéi shè rù。
Add pasta to your salads to bump up your fibre intake.
2
我用完善后的技术摘掉了纤维瘤。
wǒ yòng wán shàn hòu de jì shù zhāi diào le xiān wéi liú。
I removed the fibroid tumours, using the techniques that I have perfected.
There is more fibre in wholemeal bread than in white bread.
9
在孕期，含高纤维素的饮食越发地重要。
zài yùn qī， ， hán gāo xiān wéi sù de yǐn shí yuè fā dì zhòng。
In pregnancy a high fibre diet is doubly important.
10
高纤维饮食让人有饱胀感。
gāo xiān wéi yǐn shí ràng rén yǒu bǎo zhàng gǎn。
High fibre diets give the feeling of fullness.
Cultural Notes for 纤
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of delicacy is highly valued, especially in traditional arts like silk weaving, where 纤 represents the fine threads used to create beautiful textiles. This appreciation for fine craftsmanship is evident in practices like calligraphy and painting.
Word Family of 纤
Words Containing This Character20
纤维xiānwéifiber纖維
纤qiànfine纖
光纤optical fiber光纖
纤细fine纖細
化纤huàxiānsynthetic fiber化纖
纤维素cellulose纖維素
纤弱fragile纖弱
纤纤slim纖纖
神经纤维neurofibril神經纖維
合成纤维synthetic fiber合成纖維
肌纤维muscle fiber肌纖維
玻璃纤维fiberglass玻璃纖維
纤夫burlak (barge hauler)縴夫
纤毛cilium纖毛
纤瘦slender纖瘦
纤巧delicate纖巧
纤手delicate hands纖手
人造纤维synthetic fiber人造纖維
化学纤维synthetic fiber化學纖維
原纤维fibril原纖維
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 纤维 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 纤
It is pronounced as 'qiàn' with a falling tone.
Yes, it can also describe anything that is delicate or minute, such as fine details in art or small features in nature.
Common phrases include 纤维 (fiber) and 纤细 (slender), often used to describe materials and shapes.
