HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 门, rank #95586, Very Hard
阐
chǎn
to disclose
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 门, rank #95586, Very Hard
阐
chǎn
to enlighten
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 门, rank #95586, Very Hard
阐
chǎn
to open
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 门, rank #95586, Very Hard
阐
chǎn
to disclose; to explain; to open
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 门, rank #95586, Very Hard
chǎn(chan3) T3
1to express
2to disclose
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March 24, 2026
阐(闡)chǎn(chan3)
The character 阐 (chǎn) means to express, disclose, or explain something in detail. It is often used in academic or formal contexts when elaborating on ideas, theories, or concepts, suggesting a careful and thorough presentation of information.
Strokes11Radical门Frequency#95586DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese scholarly tradition, clarity and thorough explanation are highly valued, making 阐 an important term in academic discourse, especially in philosophy and literature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a lantern (the radical 灯) illuminating a dark room, revealing hidden truths. The shape of 阐 resembles a person (阐) standing under the light, ready to share knowledge and enlighten others.
Meanings of 阐
chǎn(chan3)
1to express
2to disclose
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 阐
阐Simplified
闡Traditional
11Strokes
门Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#65535Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 阐
Podcast: 阐
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AI Study Notes for 阐
Quick Contrast
阐 (chǎn) vs 说明 (shuōmíng) — use 阐 when emphasizing a detailed and formal explanation, while 说明 is more general and can imply a simpler clarification.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a lantern (the radical 灯) illuminating a dark room, revealing hidden truths. The shape of 阐 resembles a person (阐) standing under the light, ready to share knowledge and enlighten others.
Usage Notes
This word is more common in formal writing and discussions, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Be careful with its tone, as the third tone (chǎn) can be easily confused with other characters. Common collocations include 阐述 (to expound) and 阐明 (to clarify).
HSK Study Tips
Though 阐 is not part of the official HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners at higher levels, especially in academic settings. Focus on its usage in conjunction with academic vocabulary and phrases to enhance comprehension and expression.
Cultural Note
In Chinese scholarly tradition, clarity and thorough explanation are highly valued, making 阐 an important term in academic discourse, especially in philosophy and literature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 阐 in informal contexts, thinking it can be used interchangeably with simpler verbs like 说 (to say) or 告诉 (to tell). For example, saying '我阐给你这个' (I express this to you) is incorrect; it should be '我告诉你这个' (I tell you this).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阐
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Grammar Patterns of 阐
阐 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 5 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他接受采访时____述了持乐观态度的理由。
In the interview he gave some grounds for optimism.
Example Sentences for 阐 (5)
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1
他接受采访时阐述了持乐观态度的理由。
tā jiē shòu cǎi fǎng shí chǎn shù le chí lè guān tài dù de lǐ yóu。
In the interview he gave some grounds for optimism.
2
他在大会发言中作了更进一步的阐述。
tā zài dà huì fā yán zhōng zuò le gēng jìn yī bù de chǎn shù。
He went even further in his speech to the conference.
3
梅西伯夫博士阐述了他的教学方法的基础。
méi xī bó fū bó shì chǎn shù le tā de jiào xué fāng fǎ de jī chǔ。
Dr. Mesibov set forth the basis of his approach to teaching students.
4
泰勒的阐述是建立在我们叫作有限差分的基础上的.
tài lè de chǎn shù shì jiàn lì zài wǒ mén jiào zuò yǒu xiàn chà fēn de jī chǔ shàng de.
Taylor's exposition based on what we would call finite differences.
This point is developed further at the end of this chapter.
Cultural Notes for 阐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese scholarly tradition, clarity and thorough explanation are highly valued, making 阐 an important term in academic discourse, especially in philosophy and literature.
Word Family of 阐
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 阐
Synonyms include 说明 (shuō míng) meaning 'to explain' and 阐述 (chǎn shù) meaning 'to expound'.
It is better suited for formal contexts, such as academic discussions or presentations, rather than casual speech.
