twenty (20), in a limited number of set expressions
unknown, 4 strokes, radical 廾, rank #34486, Very Hard
廿
niàn
also written using banker's character 念
unknown, 4 strokes, radical 廾, rank #34486, Very Hard
niàn(nian4) T4
1twenty, twentieth
2twenty (20), in a limited number of set expressions
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March 24, 2026
廿niàn(nian4)
The character 廿 (niàn) represents the number twenty. It is primarily used in limited contexts, such as in certain set expressions or in financial documents where clarity in number representation is required. Although it conveys the same meaning as the more commonly used 二十 (èrshí), 廿 is less frequently encountered in everyday conversation.
Strokes4Radical廾Frequency#34486DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, clarity in numbers is crucial, especially in finance. The use of 廿 reflects a historical practice in accounting where specific characters were employed to prevent fraud and misrepresentation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pair of twigs (二) standing upright, forming the shape of the number 20. The two branches represent 'two' and the way they are arranged evokes the concept of 'twenty'. Picture counting these twigs to remember 'niàn' (廿) relates to twenty.
Meanings of 廿
niàn(nian4)
1twenty, twentieth
2twenty (20), in a limited number of set expressions
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 廿
廿Simplified
4Strokes
廾Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 廿
Podcast: 廿
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AI Study Notes for 廿
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pair of twigs (二) standing upright, forming the shape of the number 20. The two branches represent 'two' and the way they are arranged evokes the concept of 'twenty'. Picture counting these twigs to remember 'niàn' (廿) relates to twenty.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 廿 with other characters representing numbers, especially 二 (two) and 十 (ten). While 廿 is formal and typically appears in written contexts, it’s rarely used in casual conversation. Pay attention to its use in financial documents to avoid misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
Although 廿 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it helps to understand how Chinese numerals can be expressed differently. Students should focus on recognizing this character when reading formal texts or financial statements, as it reinforces their comprehension of numerals in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, clarity in numbers is crucial, especially in finance. The use of 廿 reflects a historical practice in accounting where specific characters were employed to prevent fraud and misrepresentation.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 廿 in informal contexts or confuse it with similar-looking characters. For example, saying 廿 when they mean 二十 is incorrect; the correct term for twenty in conversation is 二十 (èrshí).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 廿
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Cultural Notes for 廿
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, clarity in numbers is crucial, especially in finance. The use of 廿 reflects a historical practice in accounting where specific characters were employed to prevent fraud and misrepresentation.
Word Family of 廿
Words Containing This Character1
廿niànalso written using banker's character 念
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 廿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 廿
No, 廿 is mostly used in formal writing or specific contexts, such as accounting.
It is pronounced as 'niàn', similar to the word 念 which also means 'to read'.
It’s better to use 二十 (èrshí) in conversation, as 廿 sounds too formal.
