Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
眩xuàn(xuan4)
The character 眩 (xuàn) refers to a state of confusion or disorientation, often caused by something dazzling or brilliant, such as bright lights. It can describe both a visual phenomenon that causes temporary blindness and a feeling of dizziness or being overwhelmed. Commonly used in contexts related to light, beauty, or confusion, it conveys a sense of being captivated or disoriented.
Strokes10Radical目Frequency#14188DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, 眩 often appears in poetry to describe breathtaking beauty or the overwhelming effects of nature, such as sunlight filtering through trees or dazzling city lights, reflecting the appreciation of beauty in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bright light shining in your eyes; the brightness is so overwhelming that it makes you feel dizzy and confused. The character 眩 consists of the radical '目' (eye) and '玄' (mysterious), visually linking the idea of dazzling light causing disorientation or confusion.
Meanings of 眩
xuàn(xuan4)
1to confuse; dazed, disoriented
2dazzling
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 眩
眩Simplified
10Strokes
目Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 眩
Podcast: 眩
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 眩
Quick Contrast
眩 (xuàn) vs 迷 (mí) — use 眩 for dazzling light or confusion from brightness, while 迷 refers more to being lost or enchanted.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bright light shining in your eyes; the brightness is so overwhelming that it makes you feel dizzy and confused. The character 眩 consists of the radical '目' (eye) and '玄' (mysterious), visually linking the idea of dazzling light causing disorientation or confusion.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 眩 with similar-sounding words like 选 (xuǎn), which means 'to choose.' This character is more often used in literary or descriptive contexts rather than everyday conversation. It's important to use it in the right context to avoid sounding overly dramatic.
HSK Study Tips
While 眩 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, learners at an intermediate level should focus on recognizing it in literary texts, as it enhances descriptive language. Connecting it to related words about light and confusion can aid comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, 眩 often appears in poetry to describe breathtaking beauty or the overwhelming effects of nature, such as sunlight filtering through trees or dazzling city lights, reflecting the appreciation of beauty in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 眩 with 旋 (xuán), which means 'to spin,' leading to incorrect phrases like '我觉得很旋' (I feel dizzy) instead of '我觉得很眩.' Correct usage would be '我觉得很眩,' emphasizing the dazzling aspect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 眩
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 眩 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 眩 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 眩
眩 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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 5
Complete the Sentence
爬那么高使我感到头晕目____。
Climbing so high made me feel dizzy .
Example Sentences for 眩 (4)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
爬那么高使我感到头晕目眩。
pá nà mó gāo shǐ wǒ gǎn dào tóu yùn mù xuàn。
Climbing so high made me feel dizzy .
2
他四杯酒下肚后开始感到头晕目眩起来。
tā sì bēi jiǔ xià dù hòu kāi shǐ gǎn dào tóu yùn mù xuàn qǐ lái。
After four glasses of wine he began to feel light-headed.
3
他又热又累,头晕目眩.
tā yòu rè yòu léi, , tóu yùn mù.
He was hot and tired and his head was swimming.
4
她饱受头晕目眩之苦。
tā bǎo shòu tóu yùn mù xuàn zhī kǔ。
She suffered from dizziness and blurred vision.
Cultural Notes for 眩
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, 眩 often appears in poetry to describe breathtaking beauty or the overwhelming effects of nature, such as sunlight filtering through trees or dazzling city lights, reflecting the appreciation of beauty in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 眩
Words Containing This Character10
眩xuàndazzling
眩晕vertigo眩暈
头晕目眩dazzled頭暈目眩
目眩dizzy
眩目to dazzle
晕眩to feel dizzy暈眩
目眩神迷to be dazzled and stunned (idiom)
头昏目眩(idiom) dazed頭昏目眩
眩惑confusion
目眩头昏to be dizzy and see stars目眩頭昏
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 眩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 眩
You can use 眩 when describing experiences with bright lights, feelings of dizziness, or when something captivates you visually.
It is more commonly found in literary contexts, so while you can use it, be aware that it may sound more poetic or formal.
The pronunciation is xuàn, with a falling tone, similar to the word 'shuan' but with a sharper 'x' sound.
