unknown, 12 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #8268, Very Hard
wàn(wan4) T4
1wrist
2(squid, starfish etc) arm
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March 24, 2026
腕wàn(wan4)
The character 腕 (wàn) refers primarily to the wrist, which is the joint connecting the hand to the forearm. It is commonly used in medical, anatomical contexts, and can also describe the arm of certain sea creatures such as squid and starfish, highlighting its flexible and jointed nature.
Strokes12Radical⺼Frequency#8268DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the wrist is considered an important diagnostic point, as practitioners often check the pulse at the wrist to assess health. This highlights the significance of 腕 in both anatomy and holistic health practices in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant wristwatch on your wrist that is so big it wraps around your arm. The character 腕 has the radical '肉' (meat, flesh) on the left, which relates to the flesh of the wrist area, while the right side resembles an arm, helping you connect the character to its meaning.
Meanings of 腕
wàn(wan4)
1wrist
2(squid, starfish etc) arm
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 腕
腕Simplified
12Strokes
⺼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 腕
Podcast: 腕
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AI Study Notes for 腕
Quick Contrast
手 (shǒu, hand) - 腕 refers specifically to the wrist joint, while 手 refers to the entire hand.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in medical or sports contexts, so be mindful of the register when using it. A common mistake is to confuse 腕 with 手 (shǒu, hand), so remember that 腕 specifically refers to the wrist area. Additionally, be careful not to mispronounce it as 'wán' instead of 'wàn'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 腕 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with related anatomical terms you may encounter in higher levels, such as 手 (hand) and 肘 (elbow). Focus on recognizing this character in context, especially in health-related materials.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 腕 with 手, thinking they mean the same. Remember, 腕 specifically refers to the wrist area rather than the entire hand. Another mistake is misusing it in informal contexts where more common terms would suffice.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 腕
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Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 宛 represents the sound.
1The meaning half⺼ carries the sense.
2The sound half宛 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayflesh
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 腕? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 腕?
Decomposition of 腕
IDS Structure⿰⺼宛
腕Full Character
=
⺼rou4
left
宛Wan3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 腕?
How to say wrist in Chinese
“wrist” in Chinese is腕wàn
The character 腕 (wàn) refers primarily to the wrist, which is the joint connecting the hand to the forearm. It is commonly used in medical, anatomical contexts, and can also describe the arm of certain sea creatures such as squid and starfish, highlighting its flexible and jointed nature.
When to use 腕
This character is often used in medical or sports contexts, so be mindful of the register when using it. A common mistake is to confuse 腕 with 手 (shǒu, hand), so remember that 腕 specifically refers to the wrist area. Additionally, be careful not to mispronounce it as 'wán' instead of 'wàn'.
腕 or something close to it
手 (shǒu, hand) - 腕 refers specifically to the wrist joint, while 手 refers to the entire hand.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 腕 with 手, thinking they mean the same. Remember, 腕 specifically refers to the wrist area rather than the entire hand. Another mistake is misusing it in informal contexts where more common terms would suffice.
Write 腕
腕
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Practice writing 腕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 腕
腕 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我有限的外交手____儿受到了极其严峻的考验。
My limited diplomatic skills were tested to the utmost.
Example Sentences for 腕 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我有限的外交手腕儿受到了极其严峻的考验。
wǒ yǒu xiàn de wài jiāo shǒu wàn ér shòu dào le jí qí yán jùn de kǎo yàn。
My limited diplomatic skills were tested to the utmost.
2
他是公认的匈牙利最有手腕的政治家。
tā shì gōng rèn de xiōng yá lì zuì yǒu shǒu wàn de zhèng zhì jiā。
He is widely regarded as Hungary's most skilful politician.
3
阿蒙森医生将她手腕上的伤口缝好。
ā mēng sēn yī shēng jiāng tā shǒu wàn shàng de shāng kǒu féng hǎo。
Dr Armonson stitched up her wrist wounds.
4
他以睿智的政治头脑和强势的管理手腕出名。
tā yǐ ruì zhì de zhèng zhì tóu nǎo hé qiáng shì de guǎn lǐ shǒu wàn chū míng。
He is known for his political savvy and strong management skills.
