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March 24, 2026
蝉(蟬)chán(chan2)
蝉 (chán) refers to a cicada, an insect known for its loud, distinctive song during summer. In Chinese culture, cicadas symbolize rebirth and immortality, often seen as a sign of good fortune and summer's arrival.
Strokes14Radical虫Frequency#35631DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry and literature, cicadas are often mentioned as symbols of summer and nostalgia, reflecting the transience of life. They are also associated with traditional beliefs about the afterlife and rebirth.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cicada buzzing loudly in the summer heat. The character 蝉 looks like a bug with its wings spread out wide, resembling the cicada itself. The '虫' radical (insect) hints at its meaning, while the '单' component can remind you of the single note it sings.
Meanings of 蝉
chán(chan2)
1cicada; continuous
Exercise 1 of 2
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Choose the correct answer:
About 蝉
蝉Simplified
蟬Traditional
14Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蝉
Podcast: 蝉
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AI Study Notes for 蝉
Quick Contrast
蝉 (chán) vs 蟬 (chán) — use 蝉 for the common cicada, and 蟬 for the more literary or classical reference.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cicada buzzing loudly in the summer heat. The character 蝉 looks like a bug with its wings spread out wide, resembling the cicada itself. The '虫' radical (insect) hints at its meaning, while the '单' component can remind you of the single note it sings.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 蝉 with similar-sounding words, such as 产 (chǎn, to produce). This word is generally used in a neutral context, so it's appropriate for both formal and informal conversations. Be aware of the tone; chán is pronounced with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蝉 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to HSK Level 2 words like 夏 (xià, summer) and 声音 (shēngyīn, sound). Students should focus on the pronunciation and usage in context, particularly relating to nature and seasons.
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry and literature, cicadas are often mentioned as symbols of summer and nostalgia, reflecting the transience of life. They are also associated with traditional beliefs about the afterlife and rebirth.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蝉 with other insects due to similar pronunciation or appearance. For example, some might mistakenly use 蝉 to refer to a butterfly (蝶, dié), which is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蝉
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Grammar Patterns of 蝉
蝉 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他转过头看着这个噤若寒____的女孩，又重复了一遍他的问题。
He looked back at the abject, silent girl and repeated his question.
Example Sentences for 蝉 (6)
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1
他转过头看着这个噤若寒蝉的女孩，又重复了一遍他的问题。
tā zhuǎn guò tóu kàn zháo zhè gè jìn ruò hán chán de nǚ hái， ， yòu zhòng fù le yī biàn tā de wèn。
He looked back at the abject, silent girl and repeated his question.
The cicada is stilled. The chorus of the cricket and katydid diminishes.
4
秋蝉的悲鸣宣告了秋天的来临.
qiū chán de bēi míng xuān gào le qiū tiān de lái lín.
The wail of harvest flies announces that autumn is coming.
5
她只在薄如蝉翼的睡衣外套了一件薄睡袍，而且光着脚。
tā zhī zài báo rú chán yì de shuì yī wài tào le yī jiàn báo shuì páo， ， ér qiě guāng zháo。
She was wearing only a thin robe over a flimsy nightdress, and her feet were bare.
6
这出“双簧”演技虽然不咋的,却收到“金蝉脱壳”之功.
zhè chū“ “ shuāng” huáng ” yǎn jì suī rán bù, zǎ de ,“ què shōu dào “” jīn chán.
This choreographed pas de deux prevented the issue overwhelming all others.
Cultural Notes for 蝉
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese poetry and literature, cicadas are often mentioned as symbols of summer and nostalgia, reflecting the transience of life. They are also associated with traditional beliefs about the afterlife and rebirth.
Word Family of 蝉
Words Containing This Character11
蝉联to continue in a post蟬聯
蝉cháncicada蟬
貂蝉Diaochan (-192), one of the four legendary beauties 四大美女[sìdàměinǚ], in fiction a famous beauty at the break-up of Han dynasty, given as concubine to usurping warlord Dong Zhuo 董卓[DǒngZhuó] to ensure his overthrow by fighting hero Lü Bu 呂布|吕布[LǚBù]貂蟬
金蝉脱壳a crafty escape plan金蟬脫殼
噤若寒蝉to keep quiet out of fear (idiom)噤若寒蟬
蝉蜕cicada slough蟬蛻
蝉鸣song of cicadas蟬鳴
寒蝉cicada in winter寒蟬
蝉衣cicada slough (used in TCM)蟬衣
蝉翼cicada's wing蟬翼
螳螂捕蝉the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind (idiom, from Daoist classic Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子); to pursue a narrow gain while neglecting a greater danger螳螂捕蟬
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蝉联 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蝉
It is pronounced as 'chán' with a rising tone.
Yes, 蝉 can symbolize rebirth or immortality in poetry and literature.
Yes, China has several species of cicadas, each with unique sounds and appearances.
