Meanings of 涟
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 涟
Podcast: 涟
Podcast: 涟
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 涟
涟 (lián) vs 波 (bō) — use 涟 for gentle ripples or emotional nuances, while 波 indicates larger, more forceful waves.
Imagine a serene lake where gentle ripples (涟) spread across the surface as someone weeps by the shore. The left part of the character (氵) represents water, while the right part (连) sounds like 'lian,' like 'lan-lan' which is the sound of flowing water. Visualize the soft sound of 'lián' mimicking the gentle flow of water.
Be careful not to confuse 涟 (lián) with similar characters related to water, such as 波 (bō), which means wave. 涟 is more poetic and often used in literary contexts. It is typically seen in written Chinese rather than everyday conversation.
Though not part of the official HSK levels, 涟 can enhance vocabulary related to nature and emotions at higher levels. Students should focus on contextual usage and collocations with other water-related terms and emotional expressions.
In Chinese poetry and literature, water frequently symbolizes emotions, and words like 涟 are used to create vivid imagery. The character is often found in works that explore themes of sorrow and beauty in nature.
Learners may confuse 涟 (lián) with other water-related characters like 浪 (làng), which means wave. It's important to remember that 涟 specifically refers to ripples or weeping, while 浪 refers to larger, more tumultuous waves.
Pronunciation of 涟
Drill the tone of 涟 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 涟
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 连 represents the sound. Simplified form of 漣.
water
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 涟?
Decomposition of 涟
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 涟?
Write 涟
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 涟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 涟
涟 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 3 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.
Complete the Sentence
往池塘里扔块鹅卵石就会激起一片____漪。
You throw a pebble in a pool and it ripples.
Example Sentences for 涟 (1)
Cultural Notes for 涟
In Chinese poetry and literature, water frequently symbolizes emotions, and words like 涟 are used to create vivid imagery. The character is often found in works that explore themes of sorrow and beauty in nature.
Word Family of 涟
Compound Meaning
What does 涟漪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 涟
The pronunciation is 'lián,' which has a rising tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 涟?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.