Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
殮liàn(lian4)
The character 殮 (liàn) refers to the act of dressing a corpse for burial, a common practice in various cultures to honor the deceased. It signifies respect and care for the dead, often involving specific rituals and garments. This term is typically used in formal or literary contexts, rather than in everyday conversation.
Strokes17Radical歹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the preparation of a body for burial is steeped in tradition, reflecting Confucian values of filial piety and respect for ancestors. The practice of dressing the dead is often accompanied by rituals that vary by region and ethnic group.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'lián' (pronounced like 'liàn') who carefully dresses a deceased loved one, ensuring they look their best for their final journey. The radical 殳 (shū) relates to actions involving death or the dead, linking it to the concept of preparing someone for burial.
Meanings of 殮
liàn(lian4)
1to dress a corpse for burial
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 殮
殮Simplified
17Strokes
歹Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 殮
Podcast: 殮
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 殮
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'lián' (pronounced like 'liàn') who carefully dresses a deceased loved one, ensuring they look their best for their final journey. The radical 殳 (shū) relates to actions involving death or the dead, linking it to the concept of preparing someone for burial.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that using 殮 can be considered sensitive or morbid in casual conversation, so it is best reserved for formal discussions about funerary customs. Common collocations include '殮尸' (liànshī - to dress a corpse) and '殮葬' (liànzàng - burial).
HSK Study Tips
While 殮 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be related to other words about death and funerary practices. At higher levels, students should focus on understanding the cultural significance of such terms and their appropriate contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the preparation of a body for burial is steeped in tradition, reflecting Confucian values of filial piety and respect for ancestors. The practice of dressing the dead is often accompanied by rituals that vary by region and ethnic group.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 殮 with similar-sounding words like 恋 (liàn - love), leading to misunderstandings. Remember that 殮 specifically pertains to death and burial practices, whereas 恋 relates to romantic feelings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 殮
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 殮 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 殮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 殮
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the preparation of a body for burial is steeped in tradition, reflecting Confucian values of filial piety and respect for ancestors. The practice of dressing the dead is often accompanied by rituals that vary by region and ethnic group.
Word Family of 殮
Words Containing This Character3
殓liànto prepare a dead body for coffin殮
入殓to put dead body in coffin入殮
殡殓to bury sb殯殮
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 殓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 殮
Dressing a corpse is seen as a final act of respect and love for the deceased, often involving specific rituals and garments to honor their life.
No, 殮 is more often found in formal or literary contexts, rather than in casual conversation.
Related terms include 殮尸 (liànshī - to dress a corpse) and 殮葬 (liànzàng - burial).
