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March 24, 2026
躔chán(chan2)
The character 躔 (chán) means to follow or imitate. It can refer to following a path or course, whether literally like a rut in the ground, or metaphorically, such as following in someone’s footsteps or adhering to a precedent. This character can also relate to the movement of stars in the sky, suggesting a sense of direction or alignment.
Strokes22Radical足Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of following paths often ties into Confucian ideals, where following the established moral and social courses is highly valued. This character reflects that cultural emphasis on precedents and established ways of life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person walking along a trail (the radical 躦 suggests movement) and leaving footprints behind (the character itself resembles footprints). As they walk, they are following the path that others have taken, just like how stars follow their courses in the night sky.
Meanings of 躔
chán(chan2)
1to follow, to imitate; path, rut
2course of stars
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 躔
躔Simplified
22Strokes
足Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 躔
Podcast: 躔
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AI Study Notes for 躔
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person walking along a trail (the radical 躦 suggests movement) and leaving footprints behind (the character itself resembles footprints). As they walk, they are following the path that others have taken, just like how stars follow their courses in the night sky.
Usage Notes
This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more likely to appear in written texts or formal contexts. Be cautious of its tone; using the wrong tone may lead to misunderstandings. Common collocations include phrases related to following traditions or paths.
HSK Study Tips
While 躔 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can help learners connect with similar characters that denote movement or direction, such as 路 (lù - road) and 走 (zǒu - to walk). Focus on recognizing its context in literature or formal writing.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of following paths often ties into Confucian ideals, where following the established moral and social courses is highly valued. This character reflects that cultural emphasis on precedents and established ways of life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 躔 with similar-sounding characters, leading to incorrect usage. For example, mistakenly using it in place of 跟 (gēn - to follow) in casual conversation is common. Ensure you understand the context where 躔 is more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 躔
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Cultural Notes for 躔
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of following paths often ties into Confucian ideals, where following the established moral and social courses is highly valued. This character reflects that cultural emphasis on precedents and established ways of life.
Word Family of 躔
Words Containing This Character1
躔cháncourse of stars
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 躔 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 躔
The primary meaning of 躔 is to follow or imitate, often in the context of following a path or precedent.
No, 躔 is more commonly found in written texts or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
You can remember the pronunciation 'chán' by associating it with 'channeled' paths or trails.
