unknown, 13 strokes, radical 辶, rank #18493, Very Hard
qiǎn(qian3)qian T3
1dispatch
2to send, to dispatch; to exile, to send off
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
遣qiǎn(qian3)
The character 遣 (qiǎn) primarily means to dispatch or send something or someone to a certain place. It can also imply the act of exiling or sending off someone, often used in historical or formal contexts, such as in government or military language.
Strokes13Radical辶Frequency#18493DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of 'dispatching' is significant in Chinese history, notably in contexts involving imperial orders or even the Silk Road, where emissaries were sent to establish diplomatic relations. Understanding this term can provide insight into China's historical governance and social structure.
Memory Tip
Imagine a messenger (the character's form has a 'foot' suggesting movement) being dispatched to deliver important news. The 'dispatch' part connects to the sound 'qiǎn,' reminiscent of 'can' as in 'can do it quickly.' Visualize a quick-footed courier dashing off with a message.
Meanings of 遣
qiǎn(qian3)
1dispatch
2to send, to dispatch; to exile, to send off
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 遣 means.
About 遣
遣Simplified
13Strokes
辶Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#18493Frequency Rank
Podcast: 遣
Podcast: 遣
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 遣
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 遣 (qiǎn), as it must be pronounced with the third tone to convey the correct meaning. This character is more commonly seen in formal writing or historical texts rather than everyday conversation. It often collocates with words like '人' (rén - person) when referring to sending someone away.
HSK Study Tips
Although 遣 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of historical texts or formal documents. Focus on the contexts in which it appears, and recognize its relationship with other words related to sending or dispatching.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 遣 (qiǎn) with 送 (sòng) when trying to express the concept of sending. For instance, saying '我遣她去商店' (wǒ qiǎn tā qù shāngdiàn) is incorrect; it should be '我送她去商店' (wǒ sòng tā qù shāngdiàn) for everyday usage.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 遣
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 遣 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 遣 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 遣?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 遣 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 遣 (qiǎn) primarily means to dispatch or send something or someone to a certain place. It can also imply the act of exiling or sending off someone, often used in historical or formal contexts, such as in government or military language.
When to use 遣
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 遣 (qiǎn), as it must be pronounced with the third tone to convey the correct meaning. This character is more commonly seen in formal writing or historical texts rather than everyday conversation. It often collocates with words like '人' (rén - person) when referring to sending someone away.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 遣 (qiǎn) with 送 (sòng) when trying to express the concept of sending. For instance, saying '我遣她去商店' (wǒ qiǎn tā qù shāngdiàn) is incorrect; it should be '我送她去商店' (wǒ sòng tā qù shāngdiàn) for everyday usage.
Write 遣
遣
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 遣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 遣
遣 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
摩根派____部队同时袭击了两个据点。
Dividing his command, Morgan assailed both strongholds at the same time.
Example Sentences for 遣 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
摩根派遣部队同时袭击了两个据点。
mó gēn pài qiǎn bù duì tóng shí xí jī le liǎng gè jù diǎn。
Dividing his command, Morgan assailed both strongholds at the same time.
