Meanings of 癫
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Podcast: 癫
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AI study notes for 癫
癫 (diān) vs 疯 (fēng) — use 癫 for a more nuanced or less severe connotation of madness, while 疯 implies a more extreme or uncontrollable state.
癫 is typically used in more formal or medical contexts when discussing mental health. Be cautious not to use it lightly in casual conversation, as it can seem insensitive. Common collocations include 癫狂 (diānkuáng - crazy) and 癫痫 (diānxián - epilepsy).
Although 癫 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it shares components with other words related to health (like 疒). Students should focus on recognizing the radical and its connotations in context, especially in literature or medical discussions.
Learners often confuse 癫 with similar-sounding words like 颠 (diān - to topple), which carries a different meaning. Remember that 癫 specifically relates to mental states, while 颠 relates to physical actions.
Pronunciation of 癫
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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.
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Etymology of 癫
Phonosemantic compound. 疒 represents the meaning and 颠 represents the sound. Simplified form of 癲.
sickness
Origin
癫 = 疒 + 颠. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 癫
Parts
Which of these is part of 癫?
How to say crazy, insane; madness, mania in Chinese
“crazy, insane; madness, mania” in Chinese is癫
The character 癫 (diān) refers to a state of madness or insanity, often used to describe someone who is mentally unwell or exhibiting erratic behavior. It can also imply a sense of extreme enthusiasm or mania in certain contexts, such as being 'crazy about' something.
When to use 癫
癫 is typically used in more formal or medical contexts when discussing mental health. Be cautious not to use it lightly in casual conversation, as it can seem insensitive. Common collocations include 癫狂 (diānkuáng - crazy) and 癫痫 (diānxián - epilepsy).
癫 or something close to it
癫 (diān) vs 疯 (fēng) — use 癫 for a more nuanced or less severe connotation of madness, while 疯 implies a more extreme or uncontrollable state.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 癫 with similar-sounding words like 颠 (diān - to topple), which carries a different meaning. Remember that 癫 specifically relates to mental states, while 颠 relates to physical actions.
Write 癫
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Practice writing 癫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 癫
癫 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 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他患有____痫，但是拒绝服药治疗。
He was epileptic and refused to take medication for his condition.
Example sentences for 癫 (2)
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Word Family of 癫
Words with 癫
What does 癫痫 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 癫
No, 癫 is more commonly used in medical or literary contexts rather than in casual conversation.
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