HSK 6, nr, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #23760, Hard
秦
qín
surname Qin
HSK 6, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #23760, Hard
秦
qín
Qin dynasty (221-207 BC) of the first emperor 秦始皇[Qin2 Shi3 huang2]
HSK 6, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #23760, Hard
秦
qín
abbr. for 陝西|陕西[Shan3 xi1]
HSK 6, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #23760, Hard
qín(Qin2) T2
1the Qin dynasty (eponymous for China)
2Qin dynasty (221-207 BC) of the first emperor 秦始皇[Qin2 Shi3 huang2]
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March 24, 2026
秦qín(Qin2)
The character 秦 (qín) primarily refers to the Qin dynasty, which was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 207 BC. It is also used as a surname and is associated with the historical figure Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. In contemporary usage, it can denote the province of Shanxi.
Strokes10Radical禾Frequency#23760DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The Qin dynasty is significant in Chinese history as it marks the unification of China and the establishment of a centralized imperial system. This era also saw the construction of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, symbols of China's rich cultural heritage.
Memory Tip
Imagine a ‘Qin’ like a king sitting on a throne of ancient bricks, representing the first dynasty of imperial China. The 'Q' sound in 'Qin' can be linked to 'king' to help remember its royal significance.
Meanings of 秦
qín(Qin2)
1the Qin dynasty (eponymous for China)
2Qin dynasty (221-207 BC) of the first emperor 秦始皇[Qin2 Shi3 huang2]
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 秦
秦Simplified
10Strokes
禾Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateCEFRC1
Podcast: 秦
Podcast: 秦
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AI Study Notes for 秦
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a ‘Qin’ like a king sitting on a throne of ancient bricks, representing the first dynasty of imperial China. The 'Q' sound in 'Qin' can be linked to 'king' to help remember its royal significance.
Usage Notes
Be aware that 秦 is often used in historical contexts, so it may not be as common in everyday conversation. It is primarily used in formal writing or discussions about history. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding surnames.
HSK Study Tips
Though not part of the HSK curriculum, understanding 秦 can enhance your comprehension of Chinese history and culture. Focus on the context of the Qin dynasty when learning related vocabulary, such as dynasty (朝代) and emperor (皇帝).
Cultural Note
The Qin dynasty is significant in Chinese history as it marks the unification of China and the establishment of a centralized imperial system. This era also saw the construction of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, symbols of China's rich cultural heritage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 秦 with other similar-sounding characters such as 清 (qīng), which means 'clear'. Remember, 秦 (qín) specifically relates to the Qin dynasty and its historical significance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 秦
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Grammar Patterns of 秦
秦 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 4 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 2
Complete the Sentence
____地罗敷女,采桑绿水边.
The lovely Lo Fo of the western land Plucks mulberry leaves by the waterside.
Example Sentences for 秦 (1)
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1
秦地罗敷女,采桑绿水边.
qín dì luó fū nǚ, , cǎi sāng lǜ shuǐ.
The lovely Lo Fo of the western land Plucks mulberry leaves by the waterside.
Cultural Notes for 秦
🏮Cultural insight
The Qin dynasty is significant in Chinese history as it marks the unification of China and the establishment of a centralized imperial system. This era also saw the construction of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, symbols of China's rich cultural heritage.
Word Family of 秦
Words Containing This Character20
秦qínsurname Qin
秦朝Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC)
秦始皇Qin Shihuang (259-210 BC), the first emperor
秦皇岛Qinhuangdao prefecture level city in Hebei秦皇島
秦国the state of Qin, one of the seven states of the Warring States Period (475-220 BC)秦國
先秦pre-Qin, Chinese history up to the foundation of the Qin imperial dynasty in 221 BC
秦汉the Qin (221-207 BC) and Han (206 BC-220 AD) dynasties秦漢
秦岭Qinling mountain range in Shaanxi forming natural barrier between Guanzhong plain 關中平原|关中平原[Guānzhōngpíngyuán] and Han River 漢水|汉水[Hànshuǐ] valley秦嶺
秦军the Qin army (model for the terracotta warriors)秦軍
秦桧Qin Hui (1090-1155 AD), Song Dynasty official said to have betrayed General Yue Fei 岳飛|岳飞[YuèFēi]秦檜
苏秦Su Qin (340-284 BC), political strategist of the School of Diplomacy 縱橫家|纵横家[Zònghéngjiā] during the Warring States Period (475-220 BC)蘇秦
秦腔Shaanxi opera
秦皇岛市Qinhuangdao prefecture level city in Hebei秦皇島市
秦淮区Qinhuai district of Nanjing City 南京市 in Jiangsu 江蘇|江苏秦淮區
前秦Former Qin of the Sixteen Kingdoms (351-395)
秦代Qin dynasty (221-207 BC), founded by the first emperor Qin Shihuang 秦始皇[QínShǐhuáng], the first dynasty to rule the whole of China
后秦Later Qin of the Sixteen Kingdoms (384-417)後秦
西秦Western Qin of the Sixteen Kingdoms (385-431)
大秦Han Dynasty term for the Roman Empire 羅馬帝國|罗马帝国[LuómǎDìguó]
秦淮Qinhuai district of Nanjing City 南京市 in Jiangsu 江蘇|江苏
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 秦 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 秦
In modern contexts, 秦 can refer to the Qin dynasty, the surname Qin, or the province of Shanxi.
It is pronounced 'qín' with a rising tone, similar to saying 'keen' in English.
It's not commonly used in everyday conversation unless discussing history, but it is important for understanding Chinese heritage.
