unknown, 14 strokes, radical 石, rank #12418, Very Hard
jiǎn(jian3) T3
1alkaline, alkali, lye, salt
2soda (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026
碱(鹻)jiǎn(jian3)
The character 碱 (jiǎn) refers to alkaline substances, specifically those that can neutralize acids. It is commonly used in chemistry to describe various compounds such as lye and soda, which have basic properties. You will encounter this term in scientific contexts, particularly in discussions about chemical reactions and properties.
Strokes14Radical石Frequency#12418DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and cooking, the concept of balancing acids and alkalines is significant, as it is believed to affect health and the body's harmony. Knowledge of alkaline substances can also be essential for understanding various historical medicinal practices.
Memory Tip
Think of 碱 (jiǎn) as a 'giant' (sounds similar) alkaline solution that can neutralize acids. The radical 石 (stone) suggests solidity, while the character's form resembles a strong foundation, just like how alkalines can stabilize and balance chemical reactions.
Meanings of 碱
jiǎn(jian3)
1alkaline, alkali, lye, salt
2soda (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 碱
碱Simplified
鹻Traditional
14Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 碱
Podcast: 碱
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AI Study Notes for 碱
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 碱 (jiǎn) with 酸 (suān), which means acid; remembering the difference is crucial for chemistry contexts. This term is typically used in formal settings like laboratories or educational materials. Be mindful of using the correct tone; the third tone 'jiǎn' should not be confused with other tones.
HSK Study Tips
Although 碱 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 3 science-related terms such as 化学 (huàxué, chemistry) and 反应 (fǎnyìng, reaction). Focus on understanding its application in scientific phrases to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 碱 (jiǎn) when referring to acids, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我需要碱来中和酸' (I need alkali to neutralize acid) is correct, but ensure the context is clear that you are discussing alkaline substances.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 碱
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Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 咸 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鹼.
1The meaning half石 carries the sense.
2The sound half咸 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymineral
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 碱? 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 碱?
Decomposition of 碱
IDS Structure⿰石咸
碱Full Character
=
石dan4
left
咸Xian2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 碱?
How to say alkaline, alkali, lye, salt in Chinese
“alkaline, alkali, lye, salt” in Chinese is碱jiǎn
The character 碱 (jiǎn) refers to alkaline substances, specifically those that can neutralize acids. It is commonly used in chemistry to describe various compounds such as lye and soda, which have basic properties. You will encounter this term in scientific contexts, particularly in discussions about chemical reactions and properties.
When to use 碱
Learners often confuse 碱 (jiǎn) with 酸 (suān), which means acid; remembering the difference is crucial for chemistry contexts. This term is typically used in formal settings like laboratories or educational materials. Be mindful of using the correct tone; the third tone 'jiǎn' should not be confused with other tones.
What learners get wrong
Learners may mistakenly use 碱 (jiǎn) when referring to acids, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我需要碱来中和酸' (I need alkali to neutralize acid) is correct, but ensure the context is clear that you are discussing alkaline substances.
Write 碱
碱
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Practice writing 碱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 碱
碱 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
结果提示:复方东莨菪____注射液为一有效抗惊厥药物.
It is suggested that CSI is an effective anticonvulsive drug.
