Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
烷wán(wan2)
The character 烷 (wán) refers to alkanes, which are a group of hydrocarbons characterized by single bonds between carbon atoms. Commonly found in organic chemistry, they are saturated compounds used in fuels and various chemical processes. Understanding this term is crucial for students studying chemistry or related fields.
Strokes11Radical火Frequency#29019DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In China, the study of chemistry is integral to education, especially in industries like petrochemicals, where alkanes play a significant role. Understanding terms like 烷 (wán) is important for students pursuing careers in science and technology.
Memory Tip
Think of 烷 (wán) as 'waning' bonds between carbon atoms in a saturated structure. The character 烷 has the radical 火 (fire), which can remind you of the energy produced by burning alkanes, such as in fuels.
Meanings of 烷
wán(wan2)
1alkane
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 烷
烷Simplified
11Strokes
火Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 烷
Podcast: 烷
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 烷
Usage Notes
In scientific contexts, 烷 (wán) is typically used in chemistry discussions. Be cautious with pronunciation; the tone is crucial as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words. It often appears in compound terms like 烷烃 (wántīng), meaning 'alkane'.
HSK Study Tips
While 烷 (wán) is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners interested in scientific terminology. Focus on its use in chemistry-related contexts and practice forming phrases with it to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 烷 (wán) with other similar-sounding words. For example, they might mistakenly say 'wǎn' (晚, meaning 'evening') instead of 'wán'. Always remember to use the correct tone.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 烷
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 烷 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 火 represents the meaning and 完 represents the sound.
1The meaning half火 carries the sense.
2The sound half完 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayfire
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 烷? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 烷?
Decomposition of 烷
IDS Structure⿰火完
烷Full Character
=
火Huo3
left
完wan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 烷?
How to say alkane in Chinese
“alkane” in Chinese is烷wán
The character 烷 (wán) refers to alkanes, which are a group of hydrocarbons characterized by single bonds between carbon atoms. Commonly found in organic chemistry, they are saturated compounds used in fuels and various chemical processes. Understanding this term is crucial for students studying chemistry or related fields.
When to use 烷
In scientific contexts, 烷 (wán) is typically used in chemistry discussions. Be cautious with pronunciation; the tone is crucial as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words. It often appears in compound terms like 烷烃 (wántīng), meaning 'alkane'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 烷 (wán) with other similar-sounding words. For example, they might mistakenly say 'wǎn' (晚, meaning 'evening') instead of 'wán'. Always remember to use the correct tone.
Write 烷
烷
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 烷 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 烷
烷 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
