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March 24, 2026
纹(紋)wén(wen2)
The character 纹 (wén) refers to a line, mark, or pattern that can be found on various surfaces, such as wood grain or fabric. It often implies a decorative element or a subtle trace, emphasizing visual texture. Commonly used in contexts involving art, design, and nature, it can also denote wrinkles in skin or fabric.
Strokes7Radical纟Frequency#2348DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of纹 (wén) is significant in traditional Chinese art, where patterns are often used to convey cultural meanings. For instance, the intricate designs on silk fabrics or ceramics often feature 纹 to symbolize beauty and harmony.
Memory Tip
Think of 纹 (wén) as a 'woven' pattern that creates lines and texture, resembling the way a weaver interlaces threads to form a beautiful design. The character has the radical for 'lines' on top, suggesting the presence of these patterns.
Meanings of 纹
wén(wen2)
1line
2trace
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 纹
纹Simplified
紋Traditional
7Strokes
纟Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#2348Frequency Rank
Podcast: 纹
Podcast: 纹
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AI Study Notes for 纹
Quick Contrast
纹 (wén) vs 线 (xiàn) — use 纹 for decorative patterns or textures, while 线 refers to straight lines or threads.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 纹 (wén) as a 'woven' pattern that creates lines and texture, resembling the way a weaver interlaces threads to form a beautiful design. The character has the radical for 'lines' on top, suggesting the presence of these patterns.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 纹 (wén) with 文 (wén), which means 'culture' or 'literature.' While both share similar pronunciation, their meanings and usages differ significantly. In informal contexts, 纹 can refer to simple patterns, while in formal settings, it might relate to intricate designs.
HSK Study Tips
Though 纹 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other characters related to patterns or textures, such as 线 (xiàn, line) and 花纹 (huāwén, decorative pattern). Focus on recognizing its use in descriptive language, especially in art and nature-related contexts.
Cultural Note
The concept of纹 (wén) is significant in traditional Chinese art, where patterns are often used to convey cultural meanings. For instance, the intricate designs on silk fabrics or ceramics often feature 纹 to symbolize beauty and harmony.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 纹 (wén) with the similar-sounding 文 (wén). For example, using 文 to describe a wood grain pattern would be incorrect; the correct term is 纹 (wén).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 纹
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Grammar Patterns of 纹
纹 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 6 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
他身着一件条____衬衫和一条宽松的蓝裤子。
He was wearing a stripy shirt and baggy blue trousers.
Example Sentences for 纹 (10)
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1
他身着一件条纹衬衫和一条宽松的蓝裤子。
tā shēn zháo yī jiàn tiáo wén chèn shān hé yī tiáo kuān sōng de lán kù zǐ。
He was wearing a stripy shirt and baggy blue trousers.
In a pinstriped suit he instantly looked like a stuffed shirt.
9
在公寓里发现了两个女孩不久前留下的指纹。
zài gōng yù lǐ fā xiàn le liǎng gè nǚ hái bù jiǔ qián liú xià de zhǐ wén。
Fresh prints of both girls were found in the flat.
10
她脸上的每条皱纹都讲述了一次痛苦的经历。
tā liǎn shàng de měi tiáo zhòu wén dū jiǎng shù le yī cì tòng kǔ de jīng lì。
Every line etched on her face told a story of personal anguish.
Cultural Notes for 纹
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of纹 (wén) is significant in traditional Chinese art, where patterns are often used to convey cultural meanings. For instance, the intricate designs on silk fabrics or ceramics often feature 纹 to symbolize beauty and harmony.
Word Family of 纹
Words Containing This Character20
纹wénline紋
指纹fingerprint指紋
皱纹zhòuwénwrinkle皺紋
条纹stripe條紋
花纹huāwéndecorative design花紋
裂纹crack裂紋
纹理grain (in wood etc)紋理
波纹ripple波紋
纹路wrinkles紋路
螺纹spiral pattern螺紋
纹丝不动to not move a single jot (idiom)紋絲不動
纹饰figure紋飾
斑纹stripe斑紋
鱼尾纹crow's feet魚尾紋
横纹肌striated muscle橫紋肌
罗纹rib (in fabric)羅紋
笑纹laugh lines (on the face)笑紋
平纹plain weave平紋
龙纹dragon (as a decorative design)龍紋
纹银fine silver紋銀
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 纹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 纹
纹 refers to lines or patterns, while 文 pertains to culture or literature, so context is key.
Yes, 纹 can describe natural patterns, such as wood grain or the markings on animal skins.
