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March 24, 2026
剡shàn(shan4)
The character 剡 (shàn) primarily means 'sharp' or 'pointed', often used to describe objects with a fine edge or a precise point. It can also refer to the action of sharpening something. Additionally, it denotes a river in Zhejiang province, emphasizing its geographical significance.
Strokes10Radical刂Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, sharp tools are essential for precision in art forms like calligraphy and wood carving. The emphasis on sharpness reflects the cultural value placed on meticulous skill and detail.
Memory Tip
Think of 剡 as a sharp knife cutting through paper. The left part (刂) represents a knife, while the right part (山) resembles a mountain peak, which is sharp and pointed. Imagine a sharp knife used to carve the mountain's edge, linking the character to its meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 剡
shàn(shan4)
primary
1sharp, pointed; to sharpen
2river in Zhejiang
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 剡
剡Simplified
10Strokes
刂Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 剡
Podcast: 剡
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AI Study Notes for 剡
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 剡 as a sharp knife cutting through paper. The left part (刂) represents a knife, while the right part (山) resembles a mountain peak, which is sharp and pointed. Imagine a sharp knife used to carve the mountain's edge, linking the character to its meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words like '善' (shàn, good) or using it incorrectly in colloquial settings. Pay attention to the tone to avoid miscommunication.
HSK Study Tips
Although 剡 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your knowledge of characters related to sharpness and precision. Students at this level should focus on recognizing its components and connecting them to similar characters.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, sharp tools are essential for precision in art forms like calligraphy and wood carving. The emphasis on sharpness reflects the cultural value placed on meticulous skill and detail.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 剡 with 剣 (jiàn), which means sword. For example, saying '我有一个剡' (wǒ yǒu yí gè shàn) instead of '我有一把剑' (wǒ yǒu yì bǎ jiàn) can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 剡
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Cultural Notes for 剡
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, sharp tools are essential for precision in art forms like calligraphy and wood carving. The emphasis on sharpness reflects the cultural value placed on meticulous skill and detail.
Word Family of 剡
Words Containing This Character1
剡shànriver in Zhejiang
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 剡 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 剡
The pronunciation is 'shàn', with a falling tone.
Generally, 剡 is used for objects rather than people; however, it can metaphorically describe someone's sharp intellect.
Common phrases are rare, but you might encounter it in literary contexts describing sharp objects.
