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March 24, 2026
涟(漣)lián(lian2)
The character 涟 (lián) primarily refers to the rippling effect of water, often evoking imagery of gentle waves or flowing streams. It can also metaphorically represent tears, suggesting a sense of sadness or emotional expression. This character is commonly used in poetic contexts and descriptions of nature.
Strokes10Radical氵Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Meanings of 涟
lián(lian2)
1flowing water; ripples; weeping
2ripple
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 涟
涟Simplified
漣Traditional
10Strokes
氵Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 涟
Podcast: 涟
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AI Study Notes for 涟
Quick Contrast
涟 (lián) vs 波 (bō) — use 涟 for gentle ripples or emotional nuances, while 波 indicates larger, more forceful waves.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 涟
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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.
Exercise 1 of 1
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)
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1
往池塘里扔块鹅卵石就会激起一片涟漪。
wǎng chí táng lǐ rēng kuài é luǎn shí jiù huì jī qǐ yī piàn lián yī。
You throw a pebble in a pool and it ripples.
Cultural Notes for 涟
🏮Cultural insight
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
Words Containing This Character6
涟漪ripple漣漪
涟liánripple漣
涟源市Lianyuan county level city in Loudi 婁底|娄底[Lóudǐ], Hunan漣源市
涟水Lianshui county in Huai'an 淮安[Huái'ān], Jiangsu漣水
涟源Lianyuan county level city in Loudi 婁底|娄底[Lóudǐ], Hunan漣源
涟水县Lianshui county in Huai'an 淮安[Huái'ān], Jiangsu漣水縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 涟漪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 涟
The pronunciation is 'lián,' which has a rising tone.
It is more commonly found in literary contexts rather than in daily speech.
Words like '水' (water) and '泪' (tears) often accompany 涟 in poetic expressions.
