Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
栓shuān(shuan1)
The character 栓 (shuān) refers to an object used to seal or close openings, such as a cork or stopper for bottles. It can also denote other forms of plugs or bolts, commonly found in various mechanical contexts. This word is often used in discussions related to containers or securing mechanisms.
Strokes10Radical木Frequency#10926DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of cork stoppers in traditional wine vessels, such as those for rice wine, highlights the importance of preserving flavors in culinary practices. The character encapsulates not just the physical object, but also the cultural significance of preservation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cork (栓) sealing a bottle tightly, preventing any liquid from escaping. The character has a tree radical (木) suggesting its material nature, and the sound 'shuān' can remind you of 'shut,' as in shutting a bottle with a cork.
Meanings of 栓
shuān(shuan1)
1cork, peg, stopper
2bottle stopper
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 栓
栓Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 栓
Podcast: 栓
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 栓
Quick Contrast
塞 (sāi) vs 插 (chā) — use 栓 when specifically referring to a stopper or cork, while 塞 implies blocking or filling an opening, and 插 indicates inserting something into a space.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cork (栓) sealing a bottle tightly, preventing any liquid from escaping. The character has a tree radical (木) suggesting its material nature, and the sound 'shuān' can remind you of 'shut,' as in shutting a bottle with a cork.
Usage Notes
Be aware that 栓 is generally used in more technical or specific contexts, so it may not be appropriate for casual conversation. Common collocations include '酒瓶栓' (wine bottle stopper) and '枪栓' (gun bolt). Make sure to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it may lead to confusion with similar sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
While 栓 is not specifically listed in the HSK vocabulary, it connects to Level 4 terms related to everyday objects. Students should focus on understanding its use in context, especially in technical language related to tools and containers.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of cork stoppers in traditional wine vessels, such as those for rice wine, highlights the importance of preserving flavors in culinary practices. The character encapsulates not just the physical object, but also the cultural significance of preservation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 栓 with similar-sounding words that refer to other types of closures, leading to sentences like '我需要一个栓来关门' (I need a stopper to close the door), which should instead use a word like '门闩' (mén shuān, door latch).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 栓
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 栓 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 栓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 栓
栓 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 5 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
结论: 东菱克____酶是治疗糖尿病足有效药物.
Conclusion: Batroxobin is effective medicine for cure diabetic foot.
Eddie slipped the safety catch on his automatic back into place.
4
长途航班上的乘客须注意可能出现深静脉血栓。
cháng tú háng bān shàng de chéng kè xū zhù yì kě néng chū xiàn shēn jìng mài xiě shuān。
Passengers on long-haul flights are being warned about the risks of deep vein thrombosis.
5
他用木槌猛敲木栓顶。
tā yòng mù chuí měng qiāo mù shuān dǐng。
He hit the peg mightily on the top with a mallet.
Cultural Notes for 栓
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the use of cork stoppers in traditional wine vessels, such as those for rice wine, highlights the importance of preserving flavors in culinary practices. The character encapsulates not just the physical object, but also the cultural significance of preservation.
Word Family of 栓
Words Containing This Character10
栓shuānplug
血栓xuèshuānblood clot
栓塞thrombosis
螺栓screw
消防栓fire hydrant
栓剂suppository栓劑
枪栓gun bolt槍栓
消火栓fire hydrant
栓皮cork
栓皮栎Chinese cork oak (Quercus variabilis)栓皮櫟
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 栓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 栓
You might hear '请把瓶子栓好' (Please cork the bottle) or '这个枪栓很重要' (This gun bolt is very important).
栓 is more commonly found in written Chinese, especially in technical documents, rather than in everyday conversation.
Yes, 栓 can also refer to various types of plugs, bolts, and even pins used in different contexts.
