unknown, 11 strokes, radical 纟, rank #33417, Very Hard
绵
mián
weak
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 纟, rank #33417, Very Hard
绵
mián
mild-mannered (dialect)
unknown, 11 strokes, radical 纟, rank #33417, Very Hard
mián(mian2) T2
1continuous, unbroken; cotten, silk; soft, downy
2silk floss
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March 24, 2026
绵(綿)mián(mian2)
The character 绵 (mián) primarily refers to something that is soft, continuous, or unbroken, often used to describe materials like cotton or silk. In certain dialects, it can also imply being mild-mannered or weak. It is commonly used in contexts related to textiles and can convey a sense of gentleness or persistence.
Strokes11Radical纟Frequency#33417DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cotton (绵) has historical significance, particularly in the context of clothing and traditional textiles, representing comfort and warmth. Its symbolic use in idioms often reflects gentleness or persistence.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fluffy cotton cloud (绵) gently floating in the sky, representing softness and continuity. The character itself resembles a flowing fabric, hinting at its association with soft materials like cotton and silk.
Meanings of 绵
mián(mian2)
1continuous, unbroken; cotten, silk; soft, downy
2silk floss
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 绵
绵Simplified
綿Traditional
11Strokes
纟Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 绵
Podcast: 绵
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AI Study Notes for 绵
Quick Contrast
棉 (mián, cotton) is specifically a type of fiber, while 绵 (mián) can refer more broadly to softness or continuity in various contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fluffy cotton cloud (绵) gently floating in the sky, representing softness and continuity. The character itself resembles a flowing fabric, hinting at its association with soft materials like cotton and silk.
Usage Notes
绵 (mián) can be confused with similar sounding characters, so pay attention to tone, as it is pronounced in the second tone. It is often used in compound words related to textiles, such as 绵羊 (mián yáng, 'sheep') and 绵绵 (mián mián, 'continuous'). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts as it may sound too casual.
HSK Study Tips
Although 绵 is not an official HSK word, it connects to HSK Level 3 vocabulary through themes of materials and softness. Focus on its pronunciation and practice using it in phrases to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cotton (绵) has historical significance, particularly in the context of clothing and traditional textiles, representing comfort and warmth. Its symbolic use in idioms often reflects gentleness or persistence.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 绵 (mián) with other similar-sounding characters like 棉 (mián, 'cotton') or 面 (miàn, 'face'). Remembering the context and tones can help clarify their differences.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绵
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Grammar Patterns of 绵
绵 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 4 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
在一只盆里放上水，轻轻地用蘸湿的海____擦拭你的面部及身体。
Fill a bowl with water and gently sponge your face and body.
Example Sentences for 绵 (10)
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1
在一只盆里放上水，轻轻地用蘸湿的海绵擦拭你的面部及身体。
zài yī zhī pén lǐ fàng shàng shuǐ， ， qīng qīng dì yòng zhàn shī de hǎi mián cā shì nǐ de miàn bù jí shēn。
Fill a bowl with water and gently sponge your face and body.
2
如果你孩子的体温上升，就用海绵蘸上温水轻轻地擦拭她的身体。
rú guǒ nǐ hái zǐ de tǐ wēn shàng shēng， ， jiù yòng hǎi mián zhàn shàng wēn shuǐ qīng qīng dì cā shì tā de shēn。
If your child's temperature rises, sponge her down gently with tepid water.
The road hugs the coast for hundreds of miles, the South China Sea on one side, jungle on the other.
10
冬天, 绵羊的毛很厚.
dōng tiān, , mián yáng de máo hěn.
In the winter, sheep have thick fleeces.
Cultural Notes for 绵
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, cotton (绵) has historical significance, particularly in the context of clothing and traditional textiles, representing comfort and warmth. Its symbolic use in idioms often reflects gentleness or persistence.
Word Family of 绵
Words Containing This Character20
海绵hǎimiánsponge (zoology)海綿
绵羊sheep綿羊
缠绵touching (emotions)纏綿
绵miánsoft綿
绵绵continuous綿綿
连绵liánmiáncontinuous連綿
绵延a continuous link綿延
软绵绵soft軟綿綿
绵阳Mianyang prefecture level city in Sichuan綿陽
绵长extensive綿長
海绵体corpus cavernosum海綿體
绵阳市Mianyang prefecture level city in north Sichuan, Sichuan's second city綿陽市
绵绵不绝continuous綿綿不絕
绵薄my humble effort綿薄
缠绵悱恻very sentimental纏綿悱惻
延绵to extend continuously延綿
绵密detailed綿密
绵力one's limited power (humble expr.)綿力
绵竹Mianzhu county level city in Deyang 德陽|德阳[Déyáng], Sichuan綿竹
丝绵down絲綿
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 海绵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 绵
绵 often symbolizes softness and comfort, particularly in relation to textiles, and is used in phrases to denote gentleness.
While not as common as some other characters, 绵 appears frequently in discussions about textiles and can be found in various idiomatic expressions.
It is pronounced with a rising tone, 'mián', similar to how you would say 'me and' quickly.
