Meanings of 腱
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 腱
Podcast: 腱
Podcast: 腱
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 腱
腱 (jiàn) vs 筋 (jīn) — use 腱 when specifically referring to tendons connecting muscles to bones, while 筋 refers more generally to muscle fibers or sinews.
腱 is used mostly in formal or medical contexts, so it’s important to use it appropriately when discussing anatomy or injuries. A common mistake is confusing it with 肌肉 (jīròu), which means 'muscle', as they refer to different parts of the body. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it could change its meaning.
Although 腱 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other anatomical terms that may be covered in higher-level studies. Focus on learning related terms like 骨 (gǔ - bone) and 肌肉 (jīròu - muscle) to build a comprehensive vocabulary around the human body.
Learners often confuse 腱 with related terms like 筋 (jīn), which also refers to tendons but has a broader meaning including sinews. Always use 腱 when specifically discussing anatomical tendons.
Pronunciation of 腱
Drill the tone of 腱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 腱
Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 建 represents the sound.
flesh
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 腱
Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 建 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half⺼ carries the sense.
- 2The sound half建 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 腱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 腱?
Decomposition of 腱
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 腱?
How to say tendon, sinew in Chinese
“tendon, sinew” in Chinese is腱
The character 腱 (jiàn) refers primarily to a tendon or sinew, which is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to bones. In medical or anatomical contexts, it is often used to discuss injuries or conditions related to tendons, such as tendonitis. Understanding this term is important for discussions related to health, fitness, and anatomy.
When to use 腱
腱 is used mostly in formal or medical contexts, so it’s important to use it appropriately when discussing anatomy or injuries. A common mistake is confusing it with 肌肉 (jīròu), which means 'muscle', as they refer to different parts of the body. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it could change its meaning.
腱 or something close to it
腱 (jiàn) vs 筋 (jīn) — use 腱 when specifically referring to tendons connecting muscles to bones, while 筋 refers more generally to muscle fibers or sinews.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 腱 with related terms like 筋 (jīn), which also refers to tendons but has a broader meaning including sinews. Always use 腱 when specifically discussing anatomical tendons.
Write 腱
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 腱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 腱
腱 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
他皮肤下的筋____像绳索一样暴突出来。
His tendons stood out like rope beneath his skin.
Example Sentences for 腱 (1)
Word Family of 腱
Compound Meaning
What does 肌腱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 腱
腱 is pronounced as 'jiàn' with a falling tone. Make sure to emphasize the tone to avoid confusion with other words.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 腱?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.