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March 24, 2026
侃kǎn(kan3)
The character 侃 (kǎn) primarily means to chat idly or boast. It conveys a sense of smooth and cheerful conversation, often associated with a friendly and amiable manner. While it can denote honesty and uprightness, it's commonly used in informal contexts to describe light-hearted banter or casual discussions.
Strokes8Radical亻Frequency#20175DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 侃 reflects the importance of social interaction and casual conversation in building relationships. It's common for friends to engage in 侃 when gathering, highlighting the value placed on camaraderie and storytelling.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cheerful person (侃) sitting upright at a table, engaging in an animated conversation. The character has a person (亻) on the left, symbolizing interaction, and on the right, the component ‘侃’ suggests a lively exchange. Picture them boasting about their accomplishments while maintaining an upright posture.
Meanings of 侃
kǎn(kan3)
1upright and honest
2cheerful
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 侃
侃Simplified
8Strokes
亻Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#20175Frequency Rank
Podcast: 侃
Podcast: 侃
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AI Study Notes for 侃
Quick Contrast
唠 (láo) - use 侃 (kǎn) when emphasizing a cheerful and boastful tone in conversation, while 唠 (láo) focuses more on the act of talking or chattering without the same connotation of boastfulness.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cheerful person (侃) sitting upright at a table, engaging in an animated conversation. The character has a person (亻) on the left, symbolizing interaction, and on the right, the component ‘侃’ suggests a lively exchange. Picture them boasting about their accomplishments while maintaining an upright posture.
Usage Notes
Be mindful not to confuse 侃 with similar words that have a more serious tone. It is an informal term, so it’s best used in casual conversations among friends rather than in formal settings. Common collocations include 侃大山 (kǎn dà shān), meaning to chat idly or to gossip.
HSK Study Tips
While 侃 is not listed in the HSK vocabulary, learners can connect it to other words involving conversation or communication at this level. Focus on its usage in informal contexts to enhance conversational skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 侃 reflects the importance of social interaction and casual conversation in building relationships. It's common for friends to engage in 侃 when gathering, highlighting the value placed on camaraderie and storytelling.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 侃 in formal contexts, which can sound out of place. For instance, saying 侃 to describe a business meeting would be incorrect; use 讨论 (tǎolùn) instead for more serious discussions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 侃
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Grammar Patterns of 侃
侃 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 7 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 2
Complete the Sentence
他即兴调____起了一段剧本。
He began comically ad-libbing a script.
Example Sentences for 侃 (1)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他即兴调侃起了一段剧本。
tā jí xīng tiáo kǎn qǐ le yī duàn jù běn。
He began comically ad-libbing a script.
Cultural Notes for 侃
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 侃 reflects the importance of social interaction and casual conversation in building relationships. It's common for friends to engage in 侃 when gathering, highlighting the value placed on camaraderie and storytelling.
Word Family of 侃
Compounds1
諐
Words Containing This Character5
调侃tiáokǎnto ridicule調侃
侃kǎncheerful
侃侃而谈kǎnkǎn’értánto speak frankly with assurance侃侃而談
侃侃to possess assurance and composure
侃大山kǎndàshānto chatter idly
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 调侃 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 侃
侃 is best used in informal settings, such as chatting with friends or during casual gatherings.
Generally, yes, but it can also imply boasting, so context is important.
侃 specifically suggests a light-hearted, smooth, or boastful manner of talking, unlike more formal terms.
