HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 扌, rank #16287, Hard
掀
xiān
to rock
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 扌, rank #16287, Hard
掀
xiān
to convulse
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 扌, rank #16287, Hard
掀
xiān
to stir up; to turn over
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 扌, rank #16287, Hard
xiān(xian1) T1
1to lift (a lid)
2to rock
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March 24, 2026
掀xiān(xian1)
The character 掀 (xiān) primarily means 'to lift' or 'to raise,' often used in contexts like lifting a lid or turning something over. It can also imply stirring up or causing a disturbance, such as in emotions or situations. This word is commonly used in both everyday and more formal contexts.
Strokes11Radical扌Frequency#16287DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of lifting a lid might symbolize revealing secrets or uncovering hidden truths, which is a common theme in stories and folklore.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant hand gently lifting a lid off a pot, representing the action of 掀 (xiān). The character has the radical 扌 (hand), emphasizing the action of lifting or manipulating something with your hand.
Meanings of 掀
xiān(xian1)
1to lift (a lid)
2to rock
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 掀
掀Simplified
11Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#16287Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 掀
Podcast: 掀
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AI Study Notes for 掀
Quick Contrast
掀 (xiān) vs 抬 (tái) — use 掀 for actions involving lifting something that covers or conceals, while 抬 is more general for lifting or raising to a higher position.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant hand gently lifting a lid off a pot, representing the action of 掀 (xiān). The character has the radical 扌 (hand), emphasizing the action of lifting or manipulating something with your hand.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 掀 (xiān) in contexts where lifting or turning over is appropriate; it may be confusing with similar verbs like 提 (tí), which also means 'to lift.' It's informal but can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversation to more descriptive writing.
HSK Study Tips
While 掀 (xiān) is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other action verbs at the same level. Students should focus on the nuances of lifting and turning, as well as related verbs that convey similar meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of lifting a lid might symbolize revealing secrets or uncovering hidden truths, which is a common theme in stories and folklore.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 掀 (xiān) with 提 (tí); for example, saying '我提盖子' (wǒ tí gài zi) instead of '我掀盖子' (wǒ xiān gài zi) when referring to lifting a lid. Remember, 掀 emphasizes the motion of lifting something off.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 掀
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Grammar Patterns of 掀
掀 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 5
Complete the Sentence
将会裁员160人的消息在该团体中____起了一阵骚动。
News of 160 redundancies had sent tremors through the community.
Example Sentences for 掀 (8)
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1
将会裁员160人的消息在该团体中掀起了一阵骚动。
jiāng huì cái yuán160 160 rén de xiāo xī zài gāi tuán tǐ zhōng xiān qǐ le yī zhèn sāo。
News of 160 redundancies had sent tremors through the community.
2
一阵狂风把铺在屋顶上的一块金属片掀起来了。
yī zhèn kuáng fēng bǎ pū zài wū dǐng shàng de yī kuài jīn shǔ piàn xiān qǐ lái le。
A gust of wind pried loose a section of sheet-metal roofing.
Hundreds of youths rampaged through the town, shop windows were smashed and cars overturned.
8
马把骑者掀落在地上.
mǎ bǎ qí zhě xiān luò zài dì shàng.
The horse threw its rider.
Cultural Notes for 掀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of lifting a lid might symbolize revealing secrets or uncovering hidden truths, which is a common theme in stories and folklore.
Word Family of 掀
Words Containing This Character8
掀起xiānqǐto lift
掀xiānto rock
掀开to lift open掀開
掀翻to overturn
掀动to stir掀動
掀天揭地earth-shattering
掀腾to surge up掀騰
掀风鼓浪to raise a storm掀風鼓浪
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 掀起 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掀
You can use 掀 in phrases like 掀起盖子 (xiān qǐ gài zi) meaning 'to lift the lid'.
Yes, 掀 can be used in both informal and formal contexts, making it versatile.
Absolutely! It can describe stirring up emotions or creating a disturbance.
