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颧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
quáncheekbonesn, 23 strokes, radical 页, rank #80526, Very Hard
quáncheek bonesunknown, 23 strokes, radical 页, rank #80526, Very Hard
quán(quan2) T2
  1. 1cheekbones
  2. 2cheek bones
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(顴)quán(quan2)

颧 (quán) refers specifically to the cheekbones, which are the prominent bones located below the eyes. This term is often used in anatomical discussions or when describing facial features, and it can also appear in cosmetic contexts, such as discussions about contouring in makeup.

Strokes23RadicalFrequency#80526DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, high cheekbones are often associated with beauty and health. Many beauty standards emphasize facial symmetry and prominent cheekbones, which are sometimes highlighted in traditional Chinese portraiture.

Memory Tip

Think of the character 颧 as a 'quaint' face with high cheekbones. The left side (月) resembles a cheek, while the right side (𠂤) hints at the prominence of the bone. Picture someone with striking cheekbones that catch everyone's attention, making them feel 'quaint' and charming.

Meanings of 颧

quán(quan2)
1cheekbones
2cheek bones
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 颧

Simplified
Traditional
23Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 颧

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AI Study Notes for 颧

Quick Contrast

颧 (quán) vs 面颊 (miànjiá) — use 颧 when specifically referring to the cheekbones, while 面颊 refers to the fleshy part of the cheeks.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of the character 颧 as a 'quaint' face with high cheekbones. The left side (月) resembles a cheek, while the right side (𠂤) hints at the prominence of the bone. Picture someone with striking cheekbones that catch everyone's attention, making them feel 'quaint' and charming.

Usage Notes

Learners might confuse 颧 with other facial terms like 脸 (liǎn, face) or 颊 (jiá, cheek). This term is generally used in formal contexts, such as medical or cosmetic discussions, so avoid using it in casual conversations about someone's appearance. Pay attention to the tone; 颧 is pronounced with a rising tone (quán).

HSK Study Tips

While 颧 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to anatomical vocabulary often encountered in advanced levels. Students should focus on understanding related terms like 面 (miàn, face) and 脸 (liǎn, face) to build a comprehensive vocabulary about body parts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, high cheekbones are often associated with beauty and health. Many beauty standards emphasize facial symmetry and prominent cheekbones, which are sometimes highlighted in traditional Chinese portraiture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 颧 with 颊 (jiá, cheek), mistakenly saying '高颊骨' instead of '高颧骨' for high cheekbones. Ensure you use the correct term when discussing facial anatomy.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 颧

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Etymology of 颧

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 页 represents the meaning and 雚 represents the sound. Simplified form of 顴.

Memory Hint

head

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 颧?

Decomposition of 颧

IDS Structure⿰雚页
Full Character
=
guan4
left
ye4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 颧?

Write 颧

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 颧

颧 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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 1

Complete the Sentence

她同时放弃了绿发, 翘起的嘴唇,还有超级模特般的____骨.

She also gave up green locks , pouty lips and cheekbones of a supermodel.

Example Sentences for 颧 (1)

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1
她同时放弃了绿发, 翘起的嘴唇,还有超级模特般的颧骨.

tā tóng shí fàng qì le lǜ fā, , qiáo qǐ de zuǐ, chún , huán yǒu chāo jí mó tè bān de.

She also gave up green locks , pouty lips and cheekbones of a supermodel.

Cultural Notes for 颧

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, high cheekbones are often associated with beauty and health. Many beauty standards emphasize facial symmetry and prominent cheekbones, which are sometimes highlighted in traditional Chinese portraiture.

Word Family of 颧

Words Containing This Character3
颧骨zygomatic bone (cheek bone)顴骨
quáncheek bones
颧弓cheek bone顴弓
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 颧骨 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 颧

You can say '他有高颧骨' (Tā yǒu gāo quán gǔ), meaning 'He has high cheekbones.'