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March 24, 2026
窾cuàn(cuan4)
The character 窾 (cuàn) refers to a hole or cavity, often signifying something that is hollow or excavated. It can also imply the act of concealing or hiding something within a hollow space. This term is less common in modern usage but may appear in specific contexts related to excavation or describing physical spaces.
Strokes17Radical穴
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the concept of hollow spaces often related to burial practices, where hollowed-out areas in tombs were used for offerings. Understanding this character can provide insight into traditional beliefs about the afterlife.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small cave where water drips from the ceiling, creating a hollow sound. The shape of 窾 resembles a cave entrance, while the 'cu' sound can remind you of 'cave' as well. Picture water (the 'an' sound) filling this hollow space, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 窾
cuàn(cuan4)
primary
1hole; hallow; empty
2to conceal
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 窾
窾Simplified
17Strokes
穴Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 窾
Podcast: 窾
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AI Study Notes for 窾
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small cave where water drips from the ceiling, creating a hollow sound. The shape of 窾 resembles a cave entrance, while the 'cu' sound can remind you of 'cave' as well. Picture water (the 'an' sound) filling this hollow space, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 窾 with similar characters that denote holes or cavities, like 洞 (dòng). It's important to use 窾 in contexts where the act of hiding or excavating is emphasized. This character is rarely used in everyday conversation, so it's more suited for literary or specialized contexts.
HSK Study Tips
While 窾 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other characters describing holes or spaces, like 洞 (dòng) and 空 (kōng). Focus on recognizing its form and meaning in texts, as it may appear in literary works or historical documents.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the concept of hollow spaces often related to burial practices, where hollowed-out areas in tombs were used for offerings. Understanding this character can provide insight into traditional beliefs about the afterlife.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 窾 with the more commonly used 洞 (dòng), thinking they can interchange them in everyday speech. Remember, 窾 is more specialized, so use it in appropriate contexts related to hollowness or concealment.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 窾
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Cultural Notes for 窾
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, the concept of hollow spaces often related to burial practices, where hollowed-out areas in tombs were used for offerings. Understanding this character can provide insight into traditional beliefs about the afterlife.
Word Family of 窾
Words Containing This Character1
窾cuàncrack
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 窾 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 窾
It is pronounced as 'cuàn', with a falling tone.
Use 窾 in literary or poetic contexts, particularly when describing physical spaces or the act of hiding.
Yes, you can use 洞 (dòng) for 'hole' or 空 (kōng) for 'empty', depending on the context.
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