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March 24, 2026
練liàn(lian4)
The character 練 (liàn) means 'to drill' or 'to practice,' often in the context of honing a skill or engaging in physical exercise. It is commonly used in educational and athletic contexts where repetition and improvement are emphasized.
Strokes15Radical糹Frequency#29010DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'practice makes perfect' is deeply ingrained, reflecting the value placed on hard work and perseverance in both education and martial arts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier in a training camp, practicing drills in perfect formation. The character 練 looks like a soldier (the left part) surrounded by practice ropes (the right part), reminding you of 'liàn' and its meaning of training.
Meanings of 練
liàn(lian4)
1to drill, to exercise; to practice, to train
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 練
練Simplified
15Strokes
糹Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 練
Podcast: 練
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AI Study Notes for 練
Quick Contrast
練 (liàn) vs 演 (yǎn): Choose 練 when emphasizing practice or drills, while 演 focuses on performance or presentation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier in a training camp, practicing drills in perfect formation. The character 練 looks like a soldier (the left part) surrounded by practice ropes (the right part), reminding you of 'liàn' and its meaning of training.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 'liàn' has a falling tone, which can be confused with similar-sounding words. It is often used in phrases like '練習' (liànxí - practice) and can be used formally or informally, depending on the context.
HSK Study Tips
While 'liàn' may not be explicit in HSK lists, it connects to concepts of practice and learning, which are essential at this level. Focus on its usage in collocations to reinforce understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'practice makes perfect' is deeply ingrained, reflecting the value placed on hard work and perseverance in both education and martial arts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 練 with 緊 (jǐn - tight), leading to incorrect phrases like '緊習' instead of '練習.' Ensure to remember the correct pronunciation and meaning to avoid this mix-up.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 練
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Cultural Notes for 練
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'practice makes perfect' is deeply ingrained, reflecting the value placed on hard work and perseverance in both education and martial arts.
Word Family of 練
Words Containing This Character20
训练xùnliànto train訓練
教练jiàoliàninstructor教練
练liànto train練
练习liànxíto practice練習
排练páiliànto rehearse排練
熟练shúliànpracticed熟練
演练yǎnliàndrill演練
磨练to temper oneself磨練
教练员sports coach教練員
苦练kǔliànto train hard苦練
老练seasoned老練
练兵to drill troops練兵
干练capable and experienced幹練
练功to practice work skill練功
晨练morning exercise晨練
操练cāoliàndrill操練
练习场driving range (golf)練習場
陪练training partner陪練
简练terse簡練
精练jīngliàn(textiles) to scour精練
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 训练 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 練
Common phrases include '練習' (liànxí - to practice) and '練武' (liànwǔ - to practice martial arts).
It is pronounced 'liàn' with a falling tone, which is important to distinguish it from other similar-sounding words.
Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in educational or professional settings.
