unknown, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #44212, Very Hard
qiàn(qian4) T4
1moat, pit, trench; cavity
2moat around a city
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March 24, 2026
堑(塹)qiàn(qian4)
The character 堑 (qiàn) refers to a moat, pit, or trench, typically used for defensive purposes around a city. It can also represent a cavity or a hole in the ground. This term is often used in military contexts or when discussing historical architecture.
Strokes11Radical土Frequency#44212DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, moats were vital for city defense, and many historical cities still showcase remnants of these structures. The character 堑 embodies the importance of strategic planning in Chinese military architecture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'pit' (qiàn) filled with water surrounding a castle, keeping invaders at bay. The left part of the character, 土 (tǔ), means earth or ground, while the right part, a variation of 干 (gān), can remind you of a protective barrier, visually representing the concept of a moat.
Meanings of 堑
qiàn(qian4)
1moat, pit, trench; cavity
2moat around a city
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 堑
堑Simplified
塹Traditional
11Strokes
土Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 堑
Podcast: 堑
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AI Study Notes for 堑
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant 'pit' (qiàn) filled with water surrounding a castle, keeping invaders at bay. The left part of the character, 土 (tǔ), means earth or ground, while the right part, a variation of 干 (gān), can remind you of a protective barrier, visually representing the concept of a moat.
Usage Notes
When using 堑, remember that it is more formal and often pertains to historical or military contexts. A common mistake is confusing it with similar words like 坑 (kēng), which means 'pit' but lacks the defensive connotation. Be cautious of tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 堑 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it shares components with other characters learned at HSK levels 1-3, such as 土 (earth) and 干 (to do). Students should focus on recognizing the radicals and understanding the character's historical significance.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, moats were vital for city defense, and many historical cities still showcase remnants of these structures. The character 堑 embodies the importance of strategic planning in Chinese military architecture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 堑 with 坑 (kēng) due to their similar meanings. For example, saying '我在城堡的坑里' (wǒ zài chéngbǎo de kēng lǐ) instead of '我在城堡的堑里' (wǒ zài chéngbǎo de qiàn lǐ) misuses the term, losing the context of defense.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 堑
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Grammar Patterns of 堑
堑 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 2
Complete the Sentence
吃一____长一智，他这个教训来之不易——是从他自己的亲身经历中得来的。
He learned this lesson the hard way from his own personal experience.
Example Sentences for 堑 (2)
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1
吃一堑长一智，他这个教训来之不易——是从他自己的亲身经历中得来的。
chī yī qiàn cháng yī zhì， ， tā zhè gè jiào xùn lái zhī bù—— yì —— shì cóng tā zì jǐ de qīn shēn jīng lì zhōng dé。
He learned this lesson the hard way from his own personal experience.
2
他们已用栏杆把草地和新铁道的路堑隔离开来.
tā mén yǐ yòng lán gān bǎ cǎo dì hé xīn tiě dào de lù qiàn gé lí kāi lái.
They have railed the meadows off from the new railway cutting.
Cultural Notes for 堑
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, moats were vital for city defense, and many historical cities still showcase remnants of these structures. The character 堑 embodies the importance of strategic planning in Chinese military architecture.
Word Family of 堑
Words Containing This Character3
堑qiànmoat around a city塹
路堑(civil engineering) cutting (for a railway or highway)路塹
地堑trench, rift valley地塹
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 堑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 堑
The correct pronunciation is qiàn, with a falling tone.
It's more commonly found in historical texts or discussions about military architecture rather than in everyday conversation.
You might encounter 坑 (kēng) for pit or ditch, but be aware that it lacks the defensive meaning.
