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牮 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
jiànto prop upg, 9 strokes, radical 牛, Very Hard
jiàn(jian4) T4
  1. 1to prop up
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March 24, 2026
jiàn(jian4)

The character 牮 (jiàn) means 'to prop up' or 'to support.' It is often used in contexts where something is being held up or stabilized, whether physically or metaphorically, such as supporting a structure or an idea.

Strokes9RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of supporting structures is crucial, as seen in the design of pagodas, where beams are propped up to create stability and beauty.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant hand (the radical 牮 resembles a hand) propping up a heavy load. This image can help you remember that 牮 (jiàn) has to do with supporting or propping up something.

Meanings of 牮

jiàn(jian4)
1to prop up
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 牮

Simplified
9Strokes
Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 牮

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 牮

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant hand (the radical 牮 resembles a hand) propping up a heavy load. This image can help you remember that 牮 (jiàn) has to do with supporting or propping up something.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 牮 with similar-sounding characters. It's important to use this word in contexts that clearly indicate support, as using it incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings. This character is more formal and may not be used in everyday informal speech.

HSK Study Tips

While 牮 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can help learners understand related characters that involve support and stability. Students should focus on the radicals and components in similar characters to build their vocabulary.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of supporting structures is crucial, as seen in the design of pagodas, where beams are propped up to create stability and beauty.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 牮 with 见 (jiàn), which means 'to see.' For example, saying '我牮你' instead of '我见你' (I see you) illustrates this confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 牮

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Etymology of 牮

Decomposition of 牮

IDS Structure⿱代牛
Full Character
=
dai4
top
Niu2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 牮?

Write 牮

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 牮

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of supporting structures is crucial, as seen in the design of pagodas, where beams are propped up to create stability and beauty.

Word Family of 牮

Words Containing This Character1
jiànto prop up
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 牮 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 牮

You could say, '这根柱子牮住了屋顶,' meaning 'This pillar props up the roof.'