Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
臽 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
臽xiànpit, holezg, 8 strokes, radical 臼
臽xiànpitfallunknown, 8 strokes, radical 臼
臽xiàntrap (archaic)unknown, 8 strokes, radical 臼
xiàn(xian4)xian T4
  1. 1pit, hole
  2. 2pitfall
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

臽xiàn(xian4)

The character 臽 (xiàn) refers to a pit or hole, often with the connotation of a trap or pitfall. It is an archaic term that may not be commonly used in modern contexts but can still be encountered in classical literature or discussions about historical traps.

Strokes8Radical臼
Cultural note

In ancient Chinese culture, pits and traps were often used in warfare and hunting, reflecting the strategic thinking of the time. Understanding this word can provide insight into historical texts that discuss tactics and survival.

Memory tip

Imagine a giant pit in the ground where a person falls into a trap. The character 臽 resembles a person falling into a pit, with the top part (亻) suggesting 'person' and the bottom part (土) representing 'earth' or 'ground'. This image can help you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 臽

xiàn(xian4)
1pit, hole
2pitfall
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 臽 means.

About 臽

臽Simplified
8Strokes
臼Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 臽

JasonAmy

Podcast: 臽

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 臽

Usage Notes

While 臽 is not commonly used in day-to-day conversation, it might appear in literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar characters, and remember that its usage is more formal or historical. Collocations are rare, so it's best to focus on understanding its context in literature.

HSK Study Tips

As 臽 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners should focus on recognizing it in classical texts rather than using it in spoken language. Connecting this word to other characters related to traps or dangers may help reinforce its meaning.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistake 臽 for more commonly used characters like 陷 (xiàn), which means 'to trap' or 'to fall into'. Ensure you understand the differences in meaning and usage to avoid confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 臽

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

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

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 臽 to you

Let me explain 臽 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 臽 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 臽?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 臽 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.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 臽

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory hint

A person ⺈ falling in a pit 臼

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 臽?

Decomposition of 臽

IDS Structure⿱⺈臼
臽Full character
=
⺈Dao1
top
臼jiu4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 臽?

How to say pit, hole in Chinese

“pit, hole” in Chinese is臽xiàn

The character 臽 (xiàn) refers to a pit or hole, often with the connotation of a trap or pitfall. It is an archaic term that may not be commonly used in modern contexts but can still be encountered in classical literature or discussions about historical traps.

When to use 臽

While 臽 is not commonly used in day-to-day conversation, it might appear in literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar characters, and remember that its usage is more formal or historical. Collocations are rare, so it's best to focus on understanding its context in literature.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistake 臽 for more commonly used characters like 陷 (xiàn), which means 'to trap' or 'to fall into'. Ensure you understand the differences in meaning and usage to avoid confusion.

Write 臽

臽

Practice writing 臽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 臽?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 臽

Words containing this character1
臽xiànpitfall

Frequently asked questions about 臽

No, 臽 is considered an archaic term and is rarely used in contemporary language.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 臽?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab