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March 24, 2026
凵qiǎn(qian3)
The character 凵 (qiǎn) represents a container or receptacle, often implying a hollow or open space. It can be used in various contexts, including describing physical objects that hold something or metaphorically referring to concepts that contain ideas or emotions.
Strokes2Radical凵Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, containers have significant meanings, often associated with abundance and hospitality, such as in the use of bowls during family gatherings or festivals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large open box (the shape of 凵) that can hold many items. The box is 'queuing up' to be filled, reminding you of the pronunciation 'qiǎn' and its meaning as a receptacle.
Meanings of 凵
qiǎn(qian3)
primary
1container; receptacle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 凵
凵Simplified
2Strokes
凵Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 凵
Podcast: 凵
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AI Study Notes for 凵
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large open box (the shape of 凵) that can hold many items. The box is 'queuing up' to be filled, reminding you of the pronunciation 'qiǎn' and its meaning as a receptacle.
Usage Notes
While 凵 is not commonly used on its own in modern Mandarin, it appears in some compound words. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters that have different meanings or pronunciations, and remember that it is more often used in written or formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 凵 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its shape appears in many characters at various levels. Students should focus on recognizing it as a radical in compound characters and understanding its role in indicating receptacles, enhancing their reading comprehension skills.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, containers have significant meanings, often associated with abundance and hospitality, such as in the use of bowls during family gatherings or festivals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 凵 with similar-looking characters like 口 (kǒu), which means mouth or opening. It's important to remember that 凵 refers specifically to a type of container, while 口 has a different meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 凵
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Cultural Notes for 凵
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, containers have significant meanings, often associated with abundance and hospitality, such as in the use of bowls during family gatherings or festivals.
Word Family of 凵
Words Containing This Character1
凵qiǎnreceptacle
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 凵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 凵
It means a container or receptacle.
No, it is more often found in written Chinese and in specific compound words.
You can associate it with the image of a box that is 'queuing up' to be filled, which sounds like 'qiǎn'.
