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娩 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
娩miǎnchildbirth, laborvg, 10 strokes, radical 女
娩miǎnto give birth to a childunknown, 10 strokes, radical 女
娩miǎncomplaisantunknown, 10 strokes, radical 女
娩miǎnagreeableunknown, 10 strokes, radical 女
娩wǎnchildbirth, laborvg, 10 strokes, radical 女
娩wǎnto give birth to a childunknown, 10 strokes, radical 女
娩wǎncomplaisantunknown, 10 strokes, radical 女
娩wǎnagreeableunknown, 10 strokes, radical 女
miǎn(mian3)mian
primary
T3
  1. 1childbirth, labor
  2. 2to give birth to a child
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March 24, 2026

娩miǎn(mian3)

The character 娩 (miǎn) primarily refers to childbirth or the act of giving birth. It is commonly used in medical or formal contexts related to labor and delivery, as well as describing someone who is agreeable or complaisant in nature. The nuance of the word often emphasizes a sense of ease or smoothness in the process it describes.

Strokes10Radical女
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, childbirth is often celebrated, and the word 娩 reflects the importance of family and the continuity of life. Traditional practices around childbirth, such as the 'sitting month' (坐月子), emphasize care and recovery for new mothers.

Memory tip

Imagine a mother (女) giving birth (娩) with ease and grace. The radical 女 (woman) symbolizes femininity and motherhood, while the phonetic part miǎn hints at a smooth, serene experience in childbirth. Visualize a calm birthing environment to reinforce the character's meaning.

Meanings of 娩

miǎn(mian3)
primary
1childbirth, labor
2to give birth to a child
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 娩

娩Simplified
10Strokes
女Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 娩

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Podcast: 娩

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AI study notes for 娩

Usage Notes

When using 娩, it's important to be aware that it is more formal and is primarily used in medical contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words that may not relate to childbirth. Be cautious with tone; ensure to use the third tone (miǎn) correctly.

HSK Study Tips

Although not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding 娩 can enhance your medical and formal vocabulary. Focus on its pronunciation and context to recognize it in healthcare settings, which may also help with related terms like 生 (shēng, to give birth) and 产 (chǎn, childbirth).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 娩 with the more commonly used 生 (shēng) for giving birth, leading to incorrect usage in casual contexts. Remember, 娩 is more formal and specific to childbirth scenarios.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 娩

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Etymology of 娩

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 女 represents the meaning and 免 represents the sound.

Memory hint

woman

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

Origin

娩 = 女 + 免. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 娩

IDS Structure⿰女免
娩Full character
=
女nü3
left
免mian3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 娩?

How to say childbirth, labor in Chinese

“childbirth, labor” in Chinese is娩miǎn

The character 娩 (miǎn) primarily refers to childbirth or the act of giving birth. It is commonly used in medical or formal contexts related to labor and delivery, as well as describing someone who is agreeable or complaisant in nature. The nuance of the word often emphasizes a sense of ease or smoothness in the process it describes.

When to use 娩

When using 娩, it's important to be aware that it is more formal and is primarily used in medical contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words that may not relate to childbirth. Be cautious with tone; ensure to use the third tone (miǎn) correctly.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 娩 with the more commonly used 生 (shēng) for giving birth, leading to incorrect usage in casual contexts. Remember, 娩 is more formal and specific to childbirth scenarios.

Write 娩

娩

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

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Grammar patterns of 娩

娩 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这家医院率先使用了分____池。

The hospital has pioneered the use of birthing pools.

Example sentences for 娩 (4)

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1
这家医院率先使用了分娩池。

zhè jiā yīyuàn shuàixiān shǐyòng le fēn miǎn chí。

The hospital has pioneered the use of birthing pools.
2
分娩过程最终非常顺利,生了个健康的男婴。

fēn miǎn guòchéng zuìzhōng fēicháng shùnlì, shēng le gè jiànkāng de nán yīng。

In the end, it was an easy delivery: a fine baby boy.
3
有的母亲分娩时选择硬膜外麻醉。

yǒude mǔqīn fēn miǎn shí xuǎnzé yìng mó wài mázuì。

Some mothers choose to have an epidural when giving birth.
4
分娩时切开外阴以助生产的手术.

fēn miǎn shí qiē kāi wài yīn yǐ zhù shēngchǎn de shǒushù.

Surgical incision of the perineum during childbirth to facilitate delivery.

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Word Family of 娩

Words containing this character2
分娩labor
娩miǎncomplaisant
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 娩

What does 分娩 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 娩

While both words relate to childbirth, 娩 specifically refers to the act of giving birth, whereas 生 is more general, meaning 'to give birth' or 'to bear.'

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