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March 24, 2026
勋(勛)xūn(xun1)
The character 勋 (xūn) refers to achievements or merits, often associated with honors or medals awarded for significant accomplishments. It is commonly used in contexts related to military or civil service recognition, indicating a person's rank or status derived from their deeds.
Strokes9Radical力Frequency#22079DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, earning a 勋 (xūn) through one’s contributions, especially in military or civil service, is a matter of great pride and respect, often celebrated in ceremonies and public recognition events.
Memory Tip
Imagine a proud soldier displaying his medals of honor, which represent his 勋 (xūn) for bravery. The character itself combines the radical for 'strength' (力) with a component that suggests 'merit,' evoking the image of a strong person recognized for great deeds.
Meanings of 勋
xūn(xun1)
1deeds, feats; merit; rank
2medal
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 勋
勋Simplified
勛Traditional
9Strokes
力Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 勋
Podcast: 勋
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AI Study Notes for 勋
Quick Contrast
勋 (xūn) vs 荣 (róng) — use 勋 for achievements specifically recognized with honors or medals, while 荣 refers more broadly to glory or honor without the implication of formal awards.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a proud soldier displaying his medals of honor, which represent his 勋 (xūn) for bravery. The character itself combines the radical for 'strength' (力) with a component that suggests 'merit,' evoking the image of a strong person recognized for great deeds.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in formal contexts, such as military ranks or awards. A common mistake is to confuse 勋 with 荣 (róng), which means 'glory' or 'honor,' but lacks the emphasis on deeds or achievements. Be mindful of the fourth tone in pronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
While 勋 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be related to other HSK words like 荣誉 (róngyù, honor) or 奖 (jiǎng, prize), which also deal with recognition. Focus on understanding how 勋 relates to achievements in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, earning a 勋 (xūn) through one’s contributions, especially in military or civil service, is a matter of great pride and respect, often celebrated in ceremonies and public recognition events.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 勋 by not emphasizing the correct tone, saying 'xun' instead of 'xūn.' Additionally, some confuse 勋 with other characters related to honor, leading to incorrect usage in contexts that do not pertain to merit.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 勋
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Grammar Patterns of 勋
勋 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 2 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
Complete the Sentence
最高骑士____位是嘉德勋位。
The highest Order of Knighthood is the Order of the Garter.
Example Sentences for 勋 (10)
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1
最高骑士勋位是嘉德勋位。
zuì gāo qí shì xūn wèi shì jiā dé xūn wèi。
The highest Order of Knighthood is the Order of the Garter.
2
她告诉我们她是某苏格兰勋爵的后裔。
tā gào sù wǒ mén tā shì mǒu sū gé lán xūn jué de hòu yì。
She told us she was descended from some Scottish Lord.
3
几天前，他收到劳埃德勋爵发来的一封电报。
jī tiān qián， ， tā shōu dào láo āi dé xūn jué fā lái de yī fēng diàn。
A few days earlier he had received a telegram from Lord Lloyd.
4
我之所以得到提拔是由于立下了所谓的英勇卓越的功勋。
wǒ zhī suǒ yǐ dé dào tí bá shì yóu yú lì xià le suǒ wèi de yīng yǒng zhuó yuè de gōng xūn。
I had been promoted for what was called gallant and meritorious service.
5
凭着对时装业的杰出贡献，他于1990年荣获英帝国官佐勋衔。
píng zháo duì shí zhuāng yè de jié chū gòng xiàn， ， tā1990 yú 1990 nián róng huò yīng dì guó guān zuǒ。
He was awarded the OBE in 1990 for services to fashion.
Lord Henry stretched himself out on the divan and laughed.
Cultural Notes for 勋
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, earning a 勋 (xūn) through one’s contributions, especially in military or civil service, is a matter of great pride and respect, often celebrated in ceremonies and public recognition events.
Word Family of 勋
Words Containing This Character7
勋章xūnzhāngmedal勛章
勋爵UK life peer勳爵
勋xūnmedal勛
功勋achievement功勛
授勋to award an honor授勛
元勋leading light元勛
开国元勋founding father開國元勛
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 勋章 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 勋
You can say '他获得了勋章' (Tā huòdéle xūnzhāng), meaning 'He received a medal of merit.'
No, 勋 is more commonly found in formal or written contexts, particularly related to awards and honors.
Yes, synonyms include 功绩 (gōngjì, achievements) and 荣誉 (róngyù, honor), but each has slightly different nuances.
