Meanings of 柬
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About 柬
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Podcast: 柬
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AI Study Notes for 柬
Be cautious not to confuse 柬 with similar characters like 揀 (jiǎn) or 拣 (jiǎn), which can lead to misunderstandings. This character is typically used in written communications, so it leans towards a formal register. Common collocations include 柬信 (jiǎn xìn - note letter) or 请柬 (qǐng jiǎn - invitation).
Although 柬 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other characters related to communication and writing, such as 信 (xìn - letter) and 书 (shū - book). Focus on recognizing its usage in context and distinguishing it from similar characters.
Learners often confuse 柬 with 揀 or 拣, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我写一个揀给你' (wǒ xiě yī gè jiǎn gěi nǐ - I write a selection for you) instead of '我写一个柬给你' (wǒ xiě yī gè jiǎn gěi nǐ - I write a note for you) can cause misunderstanding.
Pronunciation of 柬
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Jason Explains 柬 to You
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How Well Do You Know 柬?
Learning Lab
Knowing 柬 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 柬
Two dots added to 束 (bind; bunch). Origin unclear.
A bound 束 package
Origin
What kind of character is 柬?
Decomposition of 柬
Parts
Which of these is part of 柬?
How to say card in Chinese
“card” in Chinese is柬
The character 柬 (jiǎn) primarily refers to a 'note' or 'letter,' often used in contexts involving written communication such as invitations or cards. It is also an abbreviation for 柬埔寨 (Jiǎn pǔ zhài), which means Cambodia. This character carries nuances of formality and can be used in both personal and professional settings.
When to use 柬
Be cautious not to confuse 柬 with similar characters like 揀 (jiǎn) or 拣 (jiǎn), which can lead to misunderstandings. This character is typically used in written communications, so it leans towards a formal register. Common collocations include 柬信 (jiǎn xìn - note letter) or 请柬 (qǐng jiǎn - invitation).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 柬 with 揀 or 拣, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我写一个揀给你' (wǒ xiě yī gè jiǎn gěi nǐ - I write a selection for you) instead of '我写一个柬给你' (wǒ xiě yī gè jiǎn gěi nǐ - I write a note for you) can cause misunderstanding.
Write 柬
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Practice writing 柬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 柬
柬 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 8 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她弄到了一张首映之夜的请____。
She had wangled an invitation to the opening night.
Example Sentences for 柬 (2)
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Word Family of 柬
Characters with 柬
What does 练 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 柬
While 柬 refers specifically to notes or letters, 揀 (jiǎn) means to select or pick, often related to choosing items or options.
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