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March 24, 2026
惋wǎn(wan3)
The character 惋 (wǎn) conveys a sense of deep regret or pity, often expressed through a sigh. It is commonly used in contexts where one feels sorrow for someone else's misfortune or reflects on lost opportunities, making it a poignant term in emotional expressions.
Strokes11Radical忄Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing regret or pity is often tied to social relationships and moral obligations. The use of 惋 in conversation reflects a cultural sensitivity towards others' feelings and circumstances.
Memory Tip
Think of 惋 (wǎn) as a combination of the heart (忄) feeling heavy due to a sigh (口) escaping in regret. Imagine a heart sighing softly as it reminisces about a missed chance, thus connecting the character's components to its meaning.
Meanings of 惋
wǎn(wan3)
1to sigh in regret or pity
2Taiwan pr. [wàn]
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 惋
惋Simplified
11Strokes
忄Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 惋
Podcast: 惋
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AI Study Notes for 惋
Quick Contrast
惋 (wǎn) vs 哀 (āi) — use 惋 for expressing regret or pity specifically about someone else's situation, while 哀 conveys a broader sense of mourning or sorrow.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 惋 (wǎn) as a combination of the heart (忄) feeling heavy due to a sigh (口) escaping in regret. Imagine a heart sighing softly as it reminisces about a missed chance, thus connecting the character's components to its meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 惋 with similar characters that express sadness or regret, such as 哀 (āi). It is more formal and may not be used in casual conversation. Pay attention to the pronunciation; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Though not currently assigned an HSK level, 惋 is relevant for learners at the intermediate level, as it enhances emotional vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding how this word can be used in conjunction with other emotional expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing regret or pity is often tied to social relationships and moral obligations. The use of 惋 in conversation reflects a cultural sensitivity towards others' feelings and circumstances.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 惋 with 哀 or 惜, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我惋她的离开' (correct: '我惋惜她的离开') would be a mistake; the correct term here would be 惜.
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Pronunciation of 惋
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Cultural Notes for 惋
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing regret or pity is often tied to social relationships and moral obligations. The use of 惋 in conversation reflects a cultural sensitivity towards others' feelings and circumstances.
Word Family of 惋
Words Containing This Character2
惋惜wǎnxīto regret
惋wǎnTaiwan pr. [wàn]
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 惋惜 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 惋
You can say '我对他的失败感到惋惜' (Wǒ duì tā de shībài gǎndào wǎnxī), meaning 'I feel pity for his failure.'
It's more often found in written Mandarin or formal contexts rather than everyday conversation.
While both express sorrow, 惋 specifically conveys regret for someone else's situation, whereas 哀 is more general sadness.
