unknown, 15 strokes, radical 口, rank #63446, Very Hard
qín(qin2) T2
1to bite; to hold in the mouth
2to hold in (usually refers the mouth or eyes)
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March 24, 2026
噙qín(qin2)
The character 噙 (qín) primarily means to hold something in the mouth, often used in the context of holding food or drink without chewing. It can also refer to holding back tears or emotions, giving it a nuanced meaning of restraint or control. It is commonly used in literary contexts or poetic expressions.
Strokes15Radical口Frequency#63446DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry, the act of 噙 can symbolize emotional control, often reflecting the values of restraint and inner strength, which are significant in traditional Chinese culture. This character often appears in literary works that explore deep emotions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with a smile holding a piece of candy in their mouth, represented by 噙. The top part resembles a mouth, while the lower part suggests something being held inside, reminding you of the pronunciation 'qín' as in 'keen' to hold onto something sweet.
Meanings of 噙
qín(qin2)
1to bite; to hold in the mouth
2to hold in (usually refers the mouth or eyes)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 噙
噙Simplified
15Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 噙
Podcast: 噙
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AI Study Notes for 噙
Quick Contrast
含 (hán) — use 噙 when emphasizing holding something in the mouth without chewing; use 含 when referring to containing or including something more generally.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person with a smile holding a piece of candy in their mouth, represented by 噙. The top part resembles a mouth, while the lower part suggests something being held inside, reminding you of the pronunciation 'qín' as in 'keen' to hold onto something sweet.
Usage Notes
Avoid confusing 噙 with similar sounding characters; it should be used in contexts involving holding or restraining. It is more formal and literary, so it might not be appropriate in casual conversations. Common collocations include 噙着泪 (holding back tears) or 噙着食物 (holding food in the mouth).
HSK Study Tips
Although 噙 is not on the official HSK list, it connects well with verbs expressing physical actions or states, such as 吃 (chī - to eat) or 咬 (yǎo - to bite). Focus on its unique usage in literary contexts to expand your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry, the act of 噙 can symbolize emotional control, often reflecting the values of restraint and inner strength, which are significant in traditional Chinese culture. This character often appears in literary works that explore deep emotions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 噙 with other characters like 含 (hán - to contain), leading to incorrect phrases such as 噙着水 (holding water) instead of 含着水 (containing water). Always check the context to ensure proper usage.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 噙
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Grammar Patterns of 噙
噙 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 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
迈克尔哀求地看着他，眼里____着泪水。
Michael looked at him imploringly, eyes brimming with tears.
She looked up at last, and though her eyes still shone with tears, no more escaped.
Cultural Notes for 噙
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese poetry, the act of 噙 can symbolize emotional control, often reflecting the values of restraint and inner strength, which are significant in traditional Chinese culture. This character often appears in literary works that explore deep emotions.
Word Family of 噙
Words Containing This Character1
噙qínto hold in (usually refers the mouth or eyes)
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 噙 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 噙
It is pronounced 'qín', with a rising tone, similar to the English word 'keen'.
While it is understood, 噙 is more commonly found in literary or formal texts rather than in casual conversation.
Common phrases include 噙着泪 (holding back tears) and 噙着食物 (holding food in the mouth).
