Meanings of 蹇
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About 蹇
Podcast: 蹇
Podcast: 蹇
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AI Study Notes for 蹇
蹇 (jiǎn) vs 瘸 (qué) - choose 蹇 for a literary or metaphorical context, while 瘸 is more straightforwardly about physical lameness.
Imagine a donkey (the lower-quality horse) that is limping along a difficult path. The character 蹇 combines the foot radical (足) with a form that suggests movement, reminding you of a slow, crippled animal struggling.
This character is more formal and literary, so it's less common in everyday conversations. Be careful not to confuse it with characters that have similar sounds but different meanings, like 简 (jiǎn), which means simple. Common collocations include 蹇涩 (jiǎnsè), meaning difficult or slow.
Although 蹇 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be useful for learners at an advanced level looking to understand classical texts or literature. Focus on the context in which it appears to grasp its nuanced meanings.
In traditional Chinese culture, horses are highly valued, and a lame horse could symbolize misfortune or an inability to perform one's duties, reflecting on the importance of strength and capability in society.
Learners often confuse 蹇 with other characters that describe difficulties, such as 难 (nán), which means hard or difficult in a broader sense. Remember that 蹇 specifically relates to lameness or being slow.
Pronunciation of 蹇
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Etymology of 蹇
foot
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 蹇?
Decomposition of 蹇
Identify the Components
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Write 蹇
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Practice writing 蹇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 蹇
蹇 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). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
老人拄着拐杖, ____涩地往前挪动.
The old man hobbled along, with the support of a walking - stick.
Example Sentences for 蹇 (1)
Cultural Notes for 蹇
In traditional Chinese culture, horses are highly valued, and a lame horse could symbolize misfortune or an inability to perform one's duties, reflecting on the importance of strength and capability in society.
Word Family of 蹇
Compound Meaning
What does 蹇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蹇
While it refers to being lame or crippled, it's mostly used in literary contexts rather than in everyday speech.