bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half)
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
contract
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
deed (i.e. title deeds)
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
ticket
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
voucher
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
certificate
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
bond, certificate, deed; ticket; contract
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
quàn(quan4) T4
1bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half)
2contract
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
券quàn(quan4)
The character 券 (quàn) refers to a bond or a legal document that signifies an agreement between parties. It is commonly used to describe contracts, tickets, vouchers, and certificates, often implying a formal or legal context. This term is often encountered in legal, financial, and transactional situations where documentation is essential.
Strokes8Radical刀Frequency#10777DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, contracts and vouchers are crucial in business transactions. The use of 券 reflects the importance of formal agreements and documentation in maintaining trust and accountability in both personal and professional relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people holding a ticket (券) that is split down the middle, representing a contract. The character looks like a hand (扌) holding a document (卷), which can help you remember that it signifies something official or contractual.
Meanings of 券
quàn(quan4)
1bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half)
2contract
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 券
券Simplified
8Strokes
刀Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10777Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1
Podcast: 券
Podcast: 券
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 券
Quick Contrast
票 (piào) - use 券 (quàn) for formal agreements or legal documents, while 票 (piào) specifically refers to tickets or receipts.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 券, as it has a falling tone (quàn) which is different from other similar-sounding words. It's often used in formal settings, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing specific agreements or tickets. Common collocations include '优惠券' (discount voucher) and '合同券' (contract bond).
HSK Study Tips
While 券 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 3 and 4 vocabulary related to commerce and legal terms. Students should focus on understanding its usage in contracts and financial contexts, as well as recognizing it in phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 券 (quàn) with 票 (piào), which also means 'ticket'. For example, saying '我想买一张券' (I want to buy a ticket) might be incorrect if they mean a general ticket; it would be better to use 票. Additionally, forgetting the tone can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 券
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 券 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
2The sound half龹 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayknife
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 券? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 券?
Decomposition of 券
IDS Structure⿱龹刀
券Full Character
=
龹quan3
top
刀Dao1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 券?
How to say bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half) in Chinese
“bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half)” in Chinese is券quàn
The character 券 (quàn) refers to a bond or a legal document that signifies an agreement between parties. It is commonly used to describe contracts, tickets, vouchers, and certificates, often implying a formal or legal context. This term is often encountered in legal, financial, and transactional situations where documentation is essential.
When to use 券
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 券, as it has a falling tone (quàn) which is different from other similar-sounding words. It's often used in formal settings, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing specific agreements or tickets. Common collocations include '优惠券' (discount voucher) and '合同券' (contract bond).
券 or something close to it
票 (piào) - use 券 (quàn) for formal agreements or legal documents, while 票 (piào) specifically refers to tickets or receipts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 券 (quàn) with 票 (piào), which also means 'ticket'. For example, saying '我想买一张券' (I want to buy a ticket) might be incorrect if they mean a general ticket; it would be better to use 票. Additionally, forgetting the tone can lead to misunderstandings.
Write 券
券
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 券 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 券
券 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 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.
In a legal context, 券 refers to a document that signifies a contract or agreement between parties, often containing terms that both parties must adhere to.
While 券 can mean 'ticket', it is more formal and typically refers to tickets that are part of a transaction or agreement, unlike simpler words like 票 (piào) which is more general.
It is pronounced as 'quàn' with a falling tone, which is important to distinguish it from similar sounds.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 券?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
