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March 24, 2026
衽rèn(ren4)
The character 衽 (rèn) primarily refers to the collar or lapel of a garment, often associated with traditional Chinese clothing. It can also denote the overlapping part of a gown or a type of sleeping mat in literary contexts, highlighting its historical significance in clothing and textiles.
Strokes9Radical衤Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the design and style of clothing, including elements like 衽, reflect social status and regional customs. Understanding this character deepens appreciation for historical attire and its significance in ceremonies.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fancy robe with a distinctive collar (collar = rèn). The character 衽 looks like a person wearing a robe (the top part representing the collar) with a sleeping mat beneath them, linking the visual form to its meanings.
Meanings of 衽
rèn(ren4)
1collar, lapel
2(literary) overlapping part of Chinese gown
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 衽
衽Simplified
9Strokes
衤Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 衽
Podcast: 衽
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AI Study Notes for 衽
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fancy robe with a distinctive collar (collar = rèn). The character 衽 looks like a person wearing a robe (the top part representing the collar) with a sleeping mat beneath them, linking the visual form to its meanings.
Usage Notes
While 衽 is primarily literary, it can be used in formal contexts when discussing traditional clothing. Avoid using it in casual conversation about modern clothing, where terms like 衣服 (yīfú) for 'clothes' are more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
Though 衽 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to topics of clothing and textiles, which are relevant at HSK Level 2 and above. Students should focus on understanding the context in which this word is used and how it relates to traditional garments.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the design and style of clothing, including elements like 衽, reflect social status and regional customs. Understanding this character deepens appreciation for historical attire and its significance in ceremonies.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 衽 with other clothing-related terms like 袖 (xiù, sleeve) or 衣 (yī, clothes). For example, saying '我喜欢衽' (I like the collar) is vague without context; it’s better to specify the type of garment.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 衽
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Cultural Notes for 衽
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the design and style of clothing, including elements like 衽, reflect social status and regional customs. Understanding this character deepens appreciation for historical attire and its significance in ceremonies.
Word Family of 衽
Words Containing This Character1
衽rènlapel
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 衽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 衽
It refers to the collar or lapel of traditional Chinese garments, emphasizing its role in design.
No, 衽 is more literary and not frequently used in everyday modern conversation.
