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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#17204DifficultyVery Hard
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 纤 means.
About 纤
纤Simplified
縴Traditional
6Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#17204Frequency Rank
Podcast: 纤
Podcast: 纤
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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.
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.
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
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How Well Do You Know 纤?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 纤 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
纤 = 纟 + 千. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 纤
IDS Structure⿰纟千
纤Full Character
=
纟si1
left
千qian1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 纤?
How to say boatman's tow-rope in Chinese
“boatman's tow-rope” in Chinese is纤qiàn
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.
When to use 纤
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).
纤 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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'.
Write 纤
纤
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Practice writing 纤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
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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.
