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.
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.
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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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 绵? 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 绵?
Decomposition of 绵
IDS Structure⿰纟帛
绵Full Character
=
纟si1
left
帛bo2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 绵?
How to say continuous, unbroken; cotten, silk; soft, downy in Chinese
“continuous, unbroken; cotten, silk; soft, downy” in Chinese is绵mián
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.
When to use 绵
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.
绵 or something close to it
棉 (mián, cotton) is specifically a type of fiber, while 绵 (mián) can refer more broadly to softness or continuity in various contexts.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 绵
绵
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Practice writing 绵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
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.
