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March 24, 2026
含hán(han2)
The character 含 (hán) means 'to contain' or 'to hold in the mouth without chewing.' It is often used to describe keeping something in the mouth, such as food or emotions. This word can also imply cherishing or holding something dear, reflecting a deeper emotional connection to what is contained.
Strokes7Radical口Frequency#5050DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '包含' (bāohán, to include) is significant, especially in literature and poetry where emotions are often contained and expressed subtly. The idea of cherishing something is deeply rooted in familial and social values.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a sweet, delicious candy in their mouth, savoring it without chewing. The character 含 resembles a mouth (口) that is 'containing' something precious (the components of '含' suggest holding inside). This imagery will help you remember both the pronunciation (hán) and the meaning of holding or containing.
Meanings of 含
hán(han2)
1to keep
2to contain
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 含
含Simplified
7Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5050Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 含
Podcast: 含
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AI Study Notes for 含
Quick Contrast
含 (hán) vs 包 (bāo) — use 含 when referring to holding something in the mouth or emotions, while 包 indicates enclosing or wrapping something physically.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is using 含 in contexts where it doesn't fit, such as using it for abstract concepts that aren't physically contained. Remember that this word often has a more emotional or physical implication. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone in more serious conversations.
HSK Study Tips
While 含 is not officially listed in HSK levels, it shares roots with other common characters like 包 (bāo, to wrap) and 含义 (hányì, meaning). Focus on its application in expressing emotions or physical actions of containing to strengthen your vocabulary. Understanding its use in phrases will enhance your comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 含 with 含有 (hányǒu), which means 'to contain' in a more general sense. For example, saying '含有感情' instead of '含感情' can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure you're using the right context for 含 to avoid confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 含
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Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 今 represents the sound.
1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
2The sound half今 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymouth
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 含? 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 含?
Decomposition of 含
IDS Structure⿱今口
含Full Character
=
今jin1
top
口kou3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 含?
How to say to keep in Chinese
“to keep” in Chinese is含hán
The character 含 (hán) means 'to contain' or 'to hold in the mouth without chewing.' It is often used to describe keeping something in the mouth, such as food or emotions. This word can also imply cherishing or holding something dear, reflecting a deeper emotional connection to what is contained.
When to use 含
A common mistake is using 含 in contexts where it doesn't fit, such as using it for abstract concepts that aren't physically contained. Remember that this word often has a more emotional or physical implication. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone in more serious conversations.
含 or something close to it
含 (hán) vs 包 (bāo) — use 含 when referring to holding something in the mouth or emotions, while 包 indicates enclosing or wrapping something physically.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 含 with 含有 (hányǒu), which means 'to contain' in a more general sense. For example, saying '含有感情' instead of '含感情' can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure you're using the right context for 含 to avoid confusion.
Write 含
含
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Grammar Patterns of 含
含 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 4 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.
