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侵 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
侵
qīn
to invade
v, 9 strokes, radical 亻, rank #19731, Very Hard
侵
qīn
to encroach
v, 9 strokes, radical 亻, rank #19731, Very Hard
侵
qīn
to infringe
v, 9 strokes, radical 亻, rank #19731, Very Hard
侵
qīn
to approach
v, 9 strokes, radical 亻, rank #19731, Very Hard
侵
qīn
to invade, to encroach upon, to raid
v, 9 strokes, radical 亻, rank #19731, Very Hard
qīn(qin1)qin T1
1to invade
2to encroach
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March 24, 2026
侵qīn(qin1)
The character 侵 (qīn) refers to the act of invading or encroaching upon someone else's territory, rights, or privacy. It is commonly used in both military and legal contexts to describe actions that violate boundaries or laws. This word carries a negative connotation, suggesting aggression or unlawful behavior.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#19731DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese history, the concept of 侵 has significant implications related to territorial disputes and national sovereignty, particularly in discussions about historical invasions and modern geopolitical issues. This reflects a deep-rooted cultural sensitivity towards invasion and encroachment.
Memory tip
Imagine a sneaky creature (the character 侵) creeping into someone’s garden, representing how invasions occur without permission. The left radical, '氵' (water), can remind you of how an invading force flows in like water, while '侵' sounds like 'keen', as in being keen to break in.
Meanings of 侵
qīn(qin1)
1to invade
2to encroach
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 侵 means.
About 侵
侵Simplified
9Strokes
亻Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#19731Frequency Rank
Podcast: 侵
Podcast: 侵
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AI study notes for 侵
Quick Contrast
侵 (qīn) vs 侵犯 (qīnfàn) — use 侵 for the act of invading, while 侵犯 emphasizes the violation of rights or privacy.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 侵; it is pronounced with a high-level tone (first tone). This word is often used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about law and military. Common collocations include 侵权 (qīnquán, to infringe on rights) and 侵略 (qīnluè, to invade).
HSK Study Tips
Although 侵 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is useful for learners at HSK 4 and above due to its relevance in legal and political discussions. Focus on understanding its usage in context with other words like 权 (quán, rights) and 陆 (lù, land) to enhance comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 侵 with similar-sounding words like 亲 (qīn, to be close) due to pronunciation similarities. It's crucial to remember that 侵 has a negative connotation related to invasion, while 亲 conveys warmth and closeness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 侵
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 侵 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 侵 (qīn) refers to the act of invading or encroaching upon someone else's territory, rights, or privacy. It is commonly used in both military and legal contexts to describe actions that violate boundaries or laws. This word carries a negative connotation, suggesting aggression or unlawful behavior.
When to use 侵
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 侵; it is pronounced with a high-level tone (first tone). This word is often used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about law and military. Common collocations include 侵权 (qīnquán, to infringe on rights) and 侵略 (qīnluè, to invade).
侵 or something close to it
侵 (qīn) vs 侵犯 (qīnfàn) — use 侵 for the act of invading, while 侵犯 emphasizes the violation of rights or privacy.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 侵 with similar-sounding words like 亲 (qīn, to be close) due to pronunciation similarities. It's crucial to remember that 侵 has a negative connotation related to invasion, while 亲 conveys warmth and closeness.
Write 侵
侵
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Practice writing 侵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 侵
侵 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
你要清楚他们可能会就这起人身____犯案毫不留情地盘问你。
You know you are liable to be cross-examined mercilessly about the assault.
