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March 24, 2026
闡chǎn(chan3)
The character 闡 (chǎn) means to disclose or explain something in detail, often used in contexts where clarification or elaboration is needed. It can also imply opening up a discussion or revealing insights about a topic. This character is commonly found in formal written Chinese, particularly in academic or legal texts.
Strokes20Radical門Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of clarification and explanation is highly valued in academic discussions and negotiations, reflecting the importance of clear communication in achieving consensus.
Memory Tip
Imagine a door (the radical 门) opening wide to reveal a treasure of knowledge (the components in the character) inside. This door is the entrance to understanding, and as you step through, you can 'disclose' everything you learn, helping you remember the pronunciation 'chǎn' as you chant your newfound wisdom.
Meanings of 闡
chǎn(chan3)
1to disclose; to explain; to open
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 闡
闡Simplified
20Strokes
門Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 闡
Podcast: 闡
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AI Study Notes for 闡
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a door (the radical 门) opening wide to reveal a treasure of knowledge (the components in the character) inside. This door is the entrance to understanding, and as you step through, you can 'disclose' everything you learn, helping you remember the pronunciation 'chǎn' as you chant your newfound wisdom.
Usage Notes
闡 is often used in formal contexts, so it's important to avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 闡明 (to clarify) and 闡述 (to elaborate). Be careful with the third tone; mispronouncing it as the second tone can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 闡 is not included in HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners aiming for higher proficiency. Students should connect it with related words like 解釋 (to explain) and 說明 (to describe), focusing on how they can be used interchangeably in certain contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of clarification and explanation is highly valued in academic discussions and negotiations, reflecting the importance of clear communication in achieving consensus.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 闡 with similar sounding characters like 產 (to produce) or 談 (to talk). For example, saying '我會闡這個問題' (I will disclose this issue) instead of '我會解釋這個問題' (I will explain this issue) is incorrect in casual contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 闡
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Cultural Notes for 闡
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of clarification and explanation is highly valued in academic discussions and negotiations, reflecting the importance of clear communication in achieving consensus.
Word Family of 闡
Words Containing This Character7
阐述chǎnshùto expound (a position)闡述
阐明to elucidate闡明
阐释to explain闡釋
阐chǎnto express闡
阐发to elucidate闡發
阐扬to expound闡揚
推阐to elucidate推闡
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 阐述 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 闡
闡 is often used in more formal or academic contexts, while 解釋 is more common in everyday speech.
It is generally more appropriate for formal discussions, so consider using simpler terms in casual settings.
Common phrases include 闡明 and 闡述, both indicating a process of explanation.
