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March 24, 2026
渐(漸)jiān(jian1)
渐 (jiān) refers to a gradual change or process. It is commonly used to describe a slow progression or development, such as '渐渐' (jiànjiàn) meaning 'gradually.' This term is often used in both written and spoken language to indicate that something is happening incrementally over time.
Strokes11Radical氵Frequency#10322DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese philosophy, the concept of gradual change is significant, often reflected in traditional teachings about patience and persistence. This idea is echoed in various cultural practices, including the slow development of art forms like calligraphy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a gentle stream (渐) that flows slowly, representing the gradual change. The character consists of water (氵) on the left, suggesting fluidity and continuity, while the right side indicates a gradual, softening movement. Picture a stream gradually eroding the land around it.
Meanings of 渐
jiān(jian1)
primary
1to imbue
2gradual
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 渐
渐Simplified
漸Traditional
11Strokes
氵Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#10322Frequency Rank
Podcast: 渐
Podcast: 渐
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AI Study Notes for 渐
Quick Contrast
渐 (jiān) vs 逐 (zhú) — use 渐 for gradual changes over time, while 逐 emphasizes a more step-by-step progression.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of using 渐 in the right context; it is often paired with adverbs like '渐渐' (gradually) or '逐渐' (step by step). Avoid using it in overly formal situations where more direct language may be preferred. Remember to pronounce it with the correct tone, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
While 渐 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with vocabulary around change and progression, such as '变化' (biànhuà - change) or '慢慢' (mànmàn - slowly). Focus on how 渐 can be used in conjunction with these words to describe processes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 渐 with 急 (jí - urgent), using it in contexts that require immediacy. For example, saying '我渐要完成这个项目' (I am gradually going to complete this project) instead of '我急着完成这个项目' (I am urgently completing this project) can mislead the listener.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 渐
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How Well Do You Know 渐?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 渐 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.
渐 = 氵 + 斩. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 渐
IDS Structure⿰氵斩
渐Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
斩zhan3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 渐?
How to say to imbue in Chinese
“to imbue” in Chinese is渐jiān
渐 (jiān) refers to a gradual change or process. It is commonly used to describe a slow progression or development, such as '渐渐' (jiànjiàn) meaning 'gradually.' This term is often used in both written and spoken language to indicate that something is happening incrementally over time.
When to use 渐
Be mindful of using 渐 in the right context; it is often paired with adverbs like '渐渐' (gradually) or '逐渐' (step by step). Avoid using it in overly formal situations where more direct language may be preferred. Remember to pronounce it with the correct tone, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion.
渐 or something close to it
渐 (jiān) vs 逐 (zhú) — use 渐 for gradual changes over time, while 逐 emphasizes a more step-by-step progression.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 渐 with 急 (jí - urgent), using it in contexts that require immediacy. For example, saying '我渐要完成这个项目' (I am gradually going to complete this project) instead of '我急着完成这个项目' (I am urgently completing this project) can mislead the listener.
Write 渐
渐
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Grammar Patterns of 渐
渐 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. 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.
