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March 24, 2026
纹(紋)wén(wen2)
The character 纹 (wén) refers to a line, mark, or pattern that can be found on various surfaces, such as wood grain or fabric. It often implies a decorative element or a subtle trace, emphasizing visual texture. Commonly used in contexts involving art, design, and nature, it can also denote wrinkles in skin or fabric.
Strokes7Radical纟Frequency#2348DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of纹 (wén) is significant in traditional Chinese art, where patterns are often used to convey cultural meanings. For instance, the intricate designs on silk fabrics or ceramics often feature 纹 to symbolize beauty and harmony.
Memory Tip
Think of 纹 (wén) as a 'woven' pattern that creates lines and texture, resembling the way a weaver interlaces threads to form a beautiful design. The character has the radical for 'lines' on top, suggesting the presence of these patterns.
Meanings of 纹
wén(wen2)
1line
2trace
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 纹 means.
About 纹
纹Simplified
紋Traditional
7Strokes
纟Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#2348Frequency Rank
Podcast: 纹
Podcast: 纹
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AI Study Notes for 纹
Quick Contrast
纹 (wén) vs 线 (xiàn) — use 纹 for decorative patterns or textures, while 线 refers to straight lines or threads.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 纹 (wén) with 文 (wén), which means 'culture' or 'literature.' While both share similar pronunciation, their meanings and usages differ significantly. In informal contexts, 纹 can refer to simple patterns, while in formal settings, it might relate to intricate designs.
HSK Study Tips
Though 纹 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other characters related to patterns or textures, such as 线 (xiàn, line) and 花纹 (huāwén, decorative pattern). Focus on recognizing its use in descriptive language, especially in art and nature-related contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 纹 (wén) with the similar-sounding 文 (wén). For example, using 文 to describe a wood grain pattern would be incorrect; the correct term is 纹 (wén).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 纹
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How Well Do You Know 纹?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 纹 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.
纹 = 纟 + 文. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 纹
IDS Structure⿰纟文
纹Full Character
=
纟si1
left
文Wen2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 纹?
How to say line in Chinese
“line” in Chinese is纹wén
The character 纹 (wén) refers to a line, mark, or pattern that can be found on various surfaces, such as wood grain or fabric. It often implies a decorative element or a subtle trace, emphasizing visual texture. Commonly used in contexts involving art, design, and nature, it can also denote wrinkles in skin or fabric.
When to use 纹
Be careful not to confuse 纹 (wén) with 文 (wén), which means 'culture' or 'literature.' While both share similar pronunciation, their meanings and usages differ significantly. In informal contexts, 纹 can refer to simple patterns, while in formal settings, it might relate to intricate designs.
纹 or something close to it
纹 (wén) vs 线 (xiàn) — use 纹 for decorative patterns or textures, while 线 refers to straight lines or threads.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 纹 (wén) with the similar-sounding 文 (wén). For example, using 文 to describe a wood grain pattern would be incorrect; the correct term is 纹 (wén).
Write 纹
纹
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Practice writing 纹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 纹
纹 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 6 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.
他身着一件条____衬衫和一条宽松的蓝裤子。
He was wearing a stripy shirt and baggy blue trousers.
Example Sentences for 纹 (10)
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1
他身着一件条纹衬衫和一条宽松的蓝裤子。
tā shēn zháo yī jiàn tiáo wén chèn shān hé yī tiáo kuān sōng de lán kù zǐ。
He was wearing a stripy shirt and baggy blue trousers.
