Meanings of 險
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About 險
Podcast: 險
Podcast: 險
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AI Study Notes for 險
险 (xiǎn) vs 危 (wēi) — use 險 when referring to a narrow or difficult location, while 危 emphasizes immediate danger or threat.
Be careful not to confuse 險 with the similar-sounding character '簡' (jiǎn), which means simple. 險 is often used in more formal contexts, especially in literature or strategic discussions. It can also appear in phrases like '险境' (dangerous situation).
While 險 isn't specifically listed in HSK levels, it can be beneficial for learners at HSK 4 and above, particularly those interested in geography or military vocabulary. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in context and its collocations with other words related to risk.
Learners often confuse 險 with other characters due to its pronunciation, such as '显' (xiǎn, meaning to show). For example, saying '我觉得这个地方是显' instead of '险' is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '我觉得这个地方是险的' (I think this place is dangerous).
Pronunciation of 險
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Etymology of 險
Phonosemantic compound. 阝 represents the meaning and 佥 represents the sound. Simplified form of 險.
hill
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 險
Phonosemantic compound. 阝 represents the meaning and 佥 represents the sound. Simplified form of 險.
- 1The meaning half阝 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half僉 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhill
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 險? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 險
Identify the Components
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How to say narrow pass, strategic point in Chinese
“narrow pass, strategic point” in Chinese is險
The character 險 (xiǎn) refers to a narrow pass or a strategic point, often indicating a location that is difficult to navigate or poses a danger. It is commonly used in contexts related to geography, military strategy, or discussing risks and hazards.
When to use 險
Be careful not to confuse 險 with the similar-sounding character '簡' (jiǎn), which means simple. 險 is often used in more formal contexts, especially in literature or strategic discussions. It can also appear in phrases like '险境' (dangerous situation).
險 or something close to it
险 (xiǎn) vs 危 (wēi) — use 險 when referring to a narrow or difficult location, while 危 emphasizes immediate danger or threat.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 險 with other characters due to its pronunciation, such as '显' (xiǎn, meaning to show). For example, saying '我觉得这个地方是显' instead of '险' is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '我觉得这个地方是险的' (I think this place is dangerous).
Write 險
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Practice writing 險 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 險
Compound Meaning
What does 危险 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 險
It is pronounced as 'xiǎn', with a falling-rising tone.
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