Meanings of 塹
By ear
Play it, then pick what 塹 means.
About 塹
Podcast: 塹
Podcast: 塹
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 塹
Learners often confuse 塹 with similar characters that denote different types of water bodies or trenches. It is more formal and may not be used frequently in casual conversation. Common collocations include '防御塹' (defensive trench) and '水塹' (water trench).
While 塹 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it helps learners connect with characters related to defense and construction, like 堡 (bǎo - fortress) and 坑 (kēng - pit). Focus on recognizing the character's radicals and related terms to enhance vocabulary.
Learners might confuse 塹 with 坑 (kēng) and use it interchangeably, leading to misunderstandings. For example, saying '我在水塹里' (I am in the water trench) when they meant '水坑' (water pit) is incorrect; ensure the context matches the meaning.
Pronunciation of 塹
Drill the tone of 塹 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 塹 to you
Let me explain 塹 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 塹 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 塹?
Learning Lab
Knowing 塹 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 塹
Phonosemantic compound. 土 represents the meaning and 斩 represents the sound. Simplified form of 塹.
earth
Origin
塹 = 土 + 斬. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 塹
Parts
Which of these is part of 塹?
How to say moat, pit, trench; cavity in Chinese
“moat, pit, trench; cavity” in Chinese is塹
The character 塹 (qiàn) refers to a moat, pit, or trench, typically used as a defensive structure in ancient Chinese warfare or for irrigation. In modern contexts, it can also denote a cavity or hollow space. This term is less commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in historical or architectural discussions.
When to use 塹
Learners often confuse 塹 with similar characters that denote different types of water bodies or trenches. It is more formal and may not be used frequently in casual conversation. Common collocations include '防御塹' (defensive trench) and '水塹' (water trench).
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 塹 with 坑 (kēng) and use it interchangeably, leading to misunderstandings. For example, saying '我在水塹里' (I am in the water trench) when they meant '水坑' (water pit) is incorrect; ensure the context matches the meaning.
Write 塹
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 塹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 塹?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 塹
Characters with 塹
What does 堑 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 塹
It is mostly found in historical texts or discussions about architecture and defense, rather than in everyday speech.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 塹?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.