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March 24, 2026
嵌kǎn(kan3)
The character 嵌 (kǎn) primarily means to inlay or embed something within another object. It is often used in contexts involving craftsmanship, such as inlaying precious stones in jewelry or embedding materials in construction. The nuance can also imply a sense of fitting something precisely into a designated space.
Strokes12Radical山Frequency#13007DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, inlaying techniques are often used to create intricate designs in furniture and decorative items, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that are valued in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a stone (岩) being carefully fitted into a wall (嵌). The '嵌' looks like a mountain (山) with something neatly placed inside. Visualize a craftsman (kǎn) placing a gem into a ring, highlighting 'inlay' in a beautiful way.
Meanings of 嵌
kǎn(kan3)
primary
1to inlay
2to embed
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 嵌
嵌Simplified
12Strokes
山Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13007Frequency Rank
Podcast: 嵌
Podcast: 嵌
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AI Study Notes for 嵌
Quick Contrast
嵌 (kǎn) vs 安 (ān) — 嵌 emphasizes embedding or inlaying, while 安 focuses on placing or securing something in a position.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a stone (岩) being carefully fitted into a wall (嵌). The '嵌' looks like a mountain (山) with something neatly placed inside. Visualize a craftsman (kǎn) placing a gem into a ring, highlighting 'inlay' in a beautiful way.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 嵌 with similar characters like 陷 (xiàn), which means to fall into. 嵌 is typically used in a more formal context, often related to art or construction, while 陷 is used in everyday language. Be mindful of the third tone in pronunciation, as it can easily be mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
While 嵌 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other characters related to embedding or inlaying, such as 嵌入 (to embed). Students should focus on recognizing the context in which 嵌 is used to better understand its applications.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, inlaying techniques are often used to create intricate designs in furniture and decorative items, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that are valued in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 嵌 with 陷, mistakenly using 嵌 in contexts that imply falling into something. For example, saying '我陷了这个石头' (I embedded this stone) instead of '我嵌了这个石头'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 嵌
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Grammar Patterns of 嵌
嵌 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
Complete the Sentence
笨重的深色桌子上____有颜色较浅的木头。
The heavy dark table is inlaid with lighter wood.
Example Sentences for 嵌 (10)
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1
笨重的深色桌子上嵌有颜色较浅的木头。
bèn zhòng de shēn sè zhuō zǐ shàng qiàn yǒu yán sè jiào qiǎn de mù tóu。
The heavy dark table is inlaid with lighter wood.
2
我经常会为我的壁画画上10到20个嵌套图画。
wǒ jīng cháng huì wéi wǒ de bì huà huà shàng10 1020 dào 20 gè qiàn tào。
I frequently paint between 10 and 20 insets for my murals.
3
子弹嵌进了中士的腿里，使其股骨碎裂。
zǐ dàn qiàn jìn le zhōng shì de tuǐ lǐ， ， shǐ qí gǔ gǔ suì。
The bullet lodged in the sergeant's leg, shattering his thigh bone.
4
恐龙峡谷中的化石都嵌在坚硬的砂岩中。
kǒng lóng xiá gǔ zhōng de huà shí dū qiàn zài jiān yìng de shā yán zhōng。
The fossils at Dinosaur Cove are embedded in hard sandstones.
5
弗朗西斯决定把机器藏在带铰链的嵌板的后面。
fú lǎng xī sī jué dìng bǎ jī qì cáng zài dài jiǎo liàn de qiàn bǎn de hòu miàn。
Frances decided to conceal the machine behind a hinged panel.
In traditional Chinese architecture, inlaying techniques are often used to create intricate designs in furniture and decorative items, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that are valued in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 嵌
Words Containing This Character4
嵌kǎnto inlay
镶嵌xiāngqiànto inlay鑲嵌
嵌入to insert
嵌套nested
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 嵌 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 嵌
嵌 means to inlay or embed, while 陷 refers to falling into something. They imply very different actions.
Yes, but it is more commonly found in formal contexts or specific discussions about art and craftsmanship.
Common phrases include 嵌入 (to embed) and 赤嵌楼 (Chì kǎn lóu), referring to a specific historical site.
