Meanings of 萬
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 萬
Podcast: 萬
Podcast: 萬
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 萬
Learners often confuse 萬 with other large numbers like 亿 (yì, hundred million). It is important to use 萬 in contexts that specifically denote large quantities or to emphasize abundance. Common phrases include 萬事如意 (wàn shì rú yì), which means 'may all your wishes come true'.
While 萬 is not included in HSK levels 1-6, it connects well with other number characters you may encounter. Focus on recognizing it in larger numerical contexts and practical expressions. Familiarity with 萬 will also help in understanding Chinese idiomatic expressions involving numbers.
A common mistake is to confuse 萬 with other numerical characters like 百 (bǎi, hundred) or 千 (qiān, thousand). For example, saying '五百萬' (wǔ bǎi wàn) instead of '五萬' (wǔ wàn) can confuse the intended meaning of five hundred thousand versus fifty thousand.
Pronunciation of 萬
Drill the tone of 萬 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 萬
Origin unclear. Simplified form of 萬.
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 萬
Origin unclear. Simplified form of 萬.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 萬? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Decomposition of 萬
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 萬?
How to say ten thousand; innumerable in Chinese
“ten thousand; innumerable” in Chinese is萬
The character 萬 (wàn) means 'ten thousand' and is often used to signify a large, sometimes infinite quantity. It is commonly found in contexts related to numbers, finance, and expressions of abundance. In traditional Chinese culture, the number ten thousand represents completeness and vastness.
When to use 萬
Learners often confuse 萬 with other large numbers like 亿 (yì, hundred million). It is important to use 萬 in contexts that specifically denote large quantities or to emphasize abundance. Common phrases include 萬事如意 (wàn shì rú yì), which means 'may all your wishes come true'.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to confuse 萬 with other numerical characters like 百 (bǎi, hundred) or 千 (qiān, thousand). For example, saying '五百萬' (wǔ bǎi wàn) instead of '五萬' (wǔ wàn) can confuse the intended meaning of five hundred thousand versus fifty thousand.
Write 萬
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 萬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 萬
Compound Meaning
What does 万 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 萬
The pronunciation is 'wàn', with a falling tone. Practice saying it in context to get comfortable.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 萬?
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.