unknown, 6 strokes, radical 纟, rank #55951, Very Hard
纨
wán
white silk
unknown, 6 strokes, radical 纟, rank #55951, Very Hard
wán(wan2) T2
1gauze; fine white silk
2white
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March 24, 2026
纨(紈)wán(wan2)
The character 纨 (wán) refers to a type of fine, white silk or gauze, often associated with luxury and high-quality textiles. It is commonly used in historical contexts, particularly in literature and poetry, to describe elegant clothing or materials. This term conveys a sense of refinement and delicacy.
Strokes6Radical纟Frequency#55951DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, fabric quality was deeply tied to social status and wealth, with 纨 representing the fine silks worn by nobility. This connection highlights the cultural significance of textiles in traditional Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a beautiful, flowing white silk scarf gently waving in the breeze. The character 纨 looks like threads woven together, symbolizing the fine fabric it represents. The pronunciation 'wán' can be remembered by thinking of 'wand' as something magical, like the elegance of silk.
Meanings of 纨
wán(wan2)
1gauze; fine white silk
2white
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 纨
纨Simplified
紈Traditional
6Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 纨
Podcast: 纨
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AI Study Notes for 纨
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a beautiful, flowing white silk scarf gently waving in the breeze. The character 纨 looks like threads woven together, symbolizing the fine fabric it represents. The pronunciation 'wán' can be remembered by thinking of 'wand' as something magical, like the elegance of silk.
Usage Notes
When using 纨, be mindful that it is a literary term and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It's often found in classical texts or discussions about fashion. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words; remember that its tone is the second tone (rising).
HSK Study Tips
While 纨 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it can complement studies of clothing and materials at higher levels. Students should focus on understanding its context in classical literature and how it relates to other words describing fabrics and textiles.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, fabric quality was deeply tied to social status and wealth, with 纨 representing the fine silks worn by nobility. This connection highlights the cultural significance of textiles in traditional Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 纨 with 纺 (fǎng), which means 'to spin' or 'spinning'. For example, using '我喜欢纺衣服' (I like to spin clothes) instead of '我喜欢用纨做衣服' (I like to make clothes with fine silk) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 纨
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Grammar Patterns of 纨
纨 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 3 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 3
Complete the Sentence
文____道: “ 他在这儿有公事分不开身 呀 !
Wen - wan said, " Oh , but he has official business keeping him here!
Example Sentences for 纨 (3)
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1
文纨道: “ 他在这儿有公事分不开身 呀 !
wén wán dào:“ : “ tā zài zhè ér yǒu gōng shì fēn bù kāi shēn!
Wen - wan said, " Oh , but he has official business keeping him here!
2
文 纨 小姐, 做母亲的人总觉得儿子不够胖的.
wén wán, xiǎo jiě , zuò mǔ qīn de rén zǒng jué dé ér zǐ bù.
Miss Wen - wan , a mother always thinks her son isn't fat enough.
3
文 纨 笑道: “ 伯母, 你有 辛楣 陪你,怕些什么!
wén wán:“ xiào dào, : “ bó mǔ , nǐ yǒu, xīn méi!
Wen - wan said with a laugh, " Auntie , with Hsin - mei along, what are you afraid of!
Cultural Notes for 纨
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, fabric quality was deeply tied to social status and wealth, with 纨 representing the fine silks worn by nobility. This connection highlights the cultural significance of textiles in traditional Chinese society.
Word Family of 纨
Words Containing This Character3
纨绔子弟hedonistic son of rich parents紈絝子弟
纨wánwhite紈
纨裤子弟dandy紈褲子弟
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 纨绔子弟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 纨
You can say '这件衣服是用纨做的' (This piece of clothing is made of fine silk).
It's primarily used in formal or literary contexts, so it's less common in everyday conversation.
You might consider words like '丝绸' (silk) or '绢' (fine silk) depending on the context.
