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March 24, 2026
纯(純)chún(chun2)
The character 纯 (chún) means 'pure' or 'genuine', often used to describe substances that are unadulterated or qualities that are sincere and straightforward. It can also refer to simplicity in a positive sense, emphasizing clarity and lack of complexity.
Strokes7Radical纟Frequency#4261DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, purity is often associated with moral integrity and sincerity, making 纯 a significant concept in discussions about character and ethics. For example, the idea of 'pure-heartedness' is highly valued in relationships and social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clear, crystal lake that is pure and untouched, representing the essence of 纯 (chún). The character has the radical for 'water' (氵), which suggests purity, just like clean water. Think of the lake as a symbol of genuineness and simplicity.
Meanings of 纯
chún(chun2)
1pure
2simple
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 纯
纯Simplified
純Traditional
7Strokes
纟Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#4261Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 纯
Podcast: 纯
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AI Study Notes for 纯
Quick Contrast
纯 (pure) vs 清 (clear) — choose 纯 when emphasizing unadulterated quality rather than transparency.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 纯 with similar-sounding words like '春' (chūn, spring) or '蠢' (chǔn, foolish). It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in descriptions of food, materials, and personal qualities, such as '纯净水' (pure water) or '纯粹的人' (a genuine person).
HSK Study Tips
While 纯 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other HSK words related to qualities and descriptions, such as '简单' (jiǎndān, simple) and '真' (zhēn, true). Focus on using 纯 in contexts that emphasize authenticity and clarity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 纯 with the similar character '纯粹' (chúncuì). While 纯 refers to the quality of being pure, 纯粹 emphasizes a state of simplicity or purity in essence. For instance, saying '他是一个纯粹的人' (He is a pure person) is correct, while saying just '他是一个纯的人' can sound awkward without context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 纯
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Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 屯 represents the sound. Simplified form of 純.
1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
2The sound half屯 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaysilk
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 纯? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 纯?
Decomposition of 纯
IDS Structure⿰纟屯
纯Full Character
=
纟si1
left
屯tun2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 纯?
How to say pure in Chinese
“pure” in Chinese is纯chún
The character 纯 (chún) means 'pure' or 'genuine', often used to describe substances that are unadulterated or qualities that are sincere and straightforward. It can also refer to simplicity in a positive sense, emphasizing clarity and lack of complexity.
When to use 纯
Be careful not to confuse 纯 with similar-sounding words like '春' (chūn, spring) or '蠢' (chǔn, foolish). It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in descriptions of food, materials, and personal qualities, such as '纯净水' (pure water) or '纯粹的人' (a genuine person).
纯 or something close to it
纯 (pure) vs 清 (clear) — choose 纯 when emphasizing unadulterated quality rather than transparency.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 纯 with the similar character '纯粹' (chúncuì). While 纯 refers to the quality of being pure, 纯粹 emphasizes a state of simplicity or purity in essence. For instance, saying '他是一个纯粹的人' (He is a pure person) is correct, while saying just '他是一个纯的人' can sound awkward without context.
Write 纯
纯
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Practice writing 纯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 纯
纯 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 5 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 4
Complete the Sentence
去年，这个集团的____利润率为30%。
The group had a net profit margin of 30% last year.
Common Confusions with 纯
纯vs春
chūn
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
纯vs椿
chūn
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "pure"?
or
Usage Notes for 纯
Misunderstanding the meaning of 纯Common Error
Learners often confuse 纯 with other similar adjectives like 简单 (simple) or 简洁 (concise), which can lead to incorrect usage.
1
这个水是纯净的。
This water is pure.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill in the Blank
这个水是____净的。
This water is pure.
Example Sentences for 纯 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
去年，这个集团的纯利润率为30%。
qù nián， ， zhè gè jí tuán de chún lì rùn shuài30%。
The group had a net profit margin of 30% last year.
2
他对大自然怀有一种极为纯粹的乌托邦式看法。
tā duì dà zì rán huái yǒu yī zhǒng jí wéi chún cuì de wū tuō bāng shì kàn fǎ。
His was a utopian vision of nature in its purest form.
