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埝 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
niàndike, embankment; protuberancezg, 11 strokes, radical 土, Very Hard
niàn(nian4) T4
  1. 1dike, embankment; protuberance
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March 24, 2026
niàn(nian4)

The character 埝 (niàn) refers to a dike or embankment, structures typically built to control water flow or prevent flooding. It can also denote a protuberance or raised area in the ground. This term is commonly used in agricultural contexts, especially in regions where irrigation and water management are crucial.

Strokes11RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese farming practices, managing water through dikes and embankments has been vital for crop success, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture. Festivals often celebrate the harvest, highlighting the significance of these structures.

Memory Tip

Think of the radical 土 (tǔ), which means 'earth' or 'ground,' combined with the character for 'year' 年 (nián), to visualize a raised earth structure like a dike that protects crops from floods over the years. Imagine a farmer proudly highlighting their embankment as a crucial part of their farm's success.

Meanings of 埝

niàn(nian4)
1dike, embankment; protuberance
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 埝

Simplified
11Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 埝

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 埝

Memory Mnemonic

Think of the radical 土 (tǔ), which means 'earth' or 'ground,' combined with the character for 'year' 年 (nián), to visualize a raised earth structure like a dike that protects crops from floods over the years. Imagine a farmer proudly highlighting their embankment as a crucial part of their farm's success.

Usage Notes

A common mistake is confusing 埝 with similar-sounding characters. It's important to use it in the correct context related to water management. The character is typically used in formal contexts, like agriculture or geography, rather than everyday conversation.

HSK Study Tips

Although 埝 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with words related to agriculture, nature, and geography, such as 土 (earth) and 水 (water). Students should focus on understanding its applications in environmental discussions.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese farming practices, managing water through dikes and embankments has been vital for crop success, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture. Festivals often celebrate the harvest, highlighting the significance of these structures.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 埝 as nián instead of niàn. Additionally, they might confuse it with characters like 堤 (dī), which also relates to water structures but has a different meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 埝

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Etymology of 埝

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

earth

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 埝?

Decomposition of 埝

IDS Structure⿰土念
Full Character
=
Tu3
left
nian4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 埝?

Write 埝

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 埝

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese farming practices, managing water through dikes and embankments has been vital for crop success, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture. Festivals often celebrate the harvest, highlighting the significance of these structures.

Word Family of 埝

Words Containing This Character1
niàndike around a paddy field
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 埝 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 埝

While not commonly used in everyday conversation, it is significant in agricultural discussions regarding water management.