Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
腱 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
jiàntendon, sinewn, 12 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #32162, Very Hard
jiàn(jian4) T4
  1. 1tendon, sinew
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
jiàn(jian4)

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.

Strokes12RadicalFrequency#32162DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, the health of tendons is considered crucial for overall well-being, and specific exercises or acupuncture points are often recommended to maintain tendon health.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant 'J' for jumping over a fence (the character's pronunciation) made of sinewy tendons. Picture a strong muscle attached to a bone, symbolizing how tendons (腱) hold everything together, just like the J is a key part of the fence's structure.

Meanings of 腱

jiàn(jian4)
1tendon, sinew
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 腱

Simplified
12Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 腱

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 腱

Quick Contrast

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.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant 'J' for jumping over a fence (the character's pronunciation) made of sinewy tendons. Picture a strong muscle attached to a bone, symbolizing how tendons (腱) hold everything together, just like the J is a key part of the fence's structure.

Usage Notes

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.

HSK Study Tips

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.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, the health of tendons is considered crucial for overall well-being, and specific exercises or acupuncture points are often recommended to maintain tendon health.

Common Mistakes

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.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 腱

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 腱

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 建 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

flesh

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 腱?

Decomposition of 腱

IDS Structure⿰⺼建
Full Character
=
rou4
left
jian4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 腱?

Write 腱

Practice writing 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 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

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)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他皮肤下的筋腱像绳索一样暴突出来。

tā pí fū xià de jīn jiàn xiàng shéng suǒ yī yàng bào tū chū lái。

His tendons stood out like rope beneath his skin.

Cultural Notes for 腱

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese medicine, the health of tendons is considered crucial for overall well-being, and specific exercises or acupuncture points are often recommended to maintain tendon health.

Word Family of 腱

Words Containing This Character7
肌腱sinew
jiàntendon
腱子sinew
腱鞘epitendon
腱鞘炎tenosynovitis (medicine)
半腱肌semitendinosus, one of the hamstring muscles in the thigh
腱弓tendon arch (anatomy)
Exercise 1 of 4

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.