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March 24, 2026
繕shàn(shan4)
The character 繕 (shàn) means to repair or mend something, often in a careful or detailed manner. It can also refer to the process of transcribing or rewriting, emphasizing precision and attention to detail. This word is commonly used in contexts involving clothing repair or the meticulous copying of documents.
Strokes18Radical糹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, taking care of clothing and belongings is seen as a virtue, reflecting respect for resources. The practice of mending clothes rather than discarding them is often tied to values of sustainability.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tailor (the character's radical 糸 represents thread) carefully mending a torn piece of clothing, ensuring every stitch is perfect. You can think of 'shàn' as the sound of a needle threading through fabric, reinforcing the idea of careful repair.
Meanings of 繕
shàn(shan4)
1to repair, to mend; to transcribe, to rewrite
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 繕
繕Simplified
18Strokes
糹Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 繕
Podcast: 繕
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AI Study Notes for 繕
Quick Contrast
修 (xiū) vs 繕 (shàn): Use 修 for general repair or fixing, while 繕 emphasizes careful and detailed mending.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tailor (the character's radical 糸 represents thread) carefully mending a torn piece of clothing, ensuring every stitch is perfect. You can think of 'shàn' as the sound of a needle threading through fabric, reinforcing the idea of careful repair.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 繕 with similar characters like 修 (xiū), which also means to repair but is broader in scope. 繕 is more formal and is typically used in written contexts, while 修 can be used more casually. Be careful with the tone; 'shàn' is third tone, and mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Though 繕 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be linked to words related to repair or maintenance at HSK level 4, such as 修理 (xiūlǐ - to repair). Students should focus on recognizing the context in which 繕 is used, especially in written materials.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, taking care of clothing and belongings is seen as a virtue, reflecting respect for resources. The practice of mending clothes rather than discarding them is often tied to values of sustainability.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 繕 with 繁 (fán), which means complex or numerous. For example, saying '我需要把这衣服繁一下' is incorrect; it should be '我需要把这衣服繕一下' (I need to mend this clothing).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 繕
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Cultural Notes for 繕
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, taking care of clothing and belongings is seen as a virtue, reflecting respect for resources. The practice of mending clothes rather than discarding them is often tied to values of sustainability.
Word Family of 繕
Words Containing This Character3
修缮to renovate修繕
缮shànto repair繕
缮写to copy繕寫
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 修缮 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 繕
It is pronounced as shàn, with a third tone.
While it can be used in conversation, it is more commonly found in written contexts, such as formal letters or documents.
Related words include 修 (xiū - to repair) and 整理 (zhěnglǐ - to organize), which also imply fixing or tidying up.
