Meanings of 遜
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About 遜
Podcast: 遜
Podcast: 遜
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AI Study Notes for 遜
谦 (qiān) vs 遜 (xùn): Use 谦 when emphasizing self-effacing humility, while 遜 focuses more on yielding or giving way in social contexts.
Learners often confuse 遜 with its synonyms like 谦 (qiān) which also means humble but is used more in the context of self-effacement. It is generally used in formal contexts, so be cautious of using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 遜讓 (xùn ràng, to yield) and 遜色 (xùn sè, to fall short).
Although 遜 is not included in HSK levels, it is relevant for learners aiming for advanced proficiency. Students should focus on its usage in formal expressions and phrases that emphasize humility, connecting it with other related vocabulary such as 谦虚 (qiān xū, modest).
Learners often confuse 遜 with the more common word 谦 (qiān) for expressing humility. For example, saying '他很遜' is correct, but using it interchangeably with 谦 could lead to awkwardness if the context doesn't fit.
Pronunciation of 遜
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Etymology of 遜
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 孙 represents the sound. Simplified form of 遜.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 遜
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 孙 represents the sound. Simplified form of 遜.
- 1The meaning half辶 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half孫 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywalk
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 遜? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Decomposition of 遜
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How to say humble, modest; to yield in Chinese
“humble, modest; to yield” in Chinese is遜
The character 遜 (xùn) conveys the meanings of being humble or modest, as well as the concept of yielding or giving way. It is often used in contexts where politeness and respect are emphasized, particularly in social or formal interactions.
When to use 遜
Learners often confuse 遜 with its synonyms like 谦 (qiān) which also means humble but is used more in the context of self-effacement. It is generally used in formal contexts, so be cautious of using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 遜讓 (xùn ràng, to yield) and 遜色 (xùn sè, to fall short).
遜 or something close to it
谦 (qiān) vs 遜 (xùn): Use 谦 when emphasizing self-effacing humility, while 遜 focuses more on yielding or giving way in social contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 遜 with the more common word 谦 (qiān) for expressing humility. For example, saying '他很遜' is correct, but using it interchangeably with 谦 could lead to awkwardness if the context doesn't fit.
Write 遜
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Practice writing 遜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 遜
In Western cultures, humility is often appreciated but can sometimes be viewed as a lack of confidence, whereas in Chinese culture, it is a necessary trait for maintaining harmony and respect.
Word Family of 遜
Compound Meaning
What does 逊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 遜
You can say: '他很遜，總是讓別人先。' (He is very humble, always letting others go first.)
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