Meanings of 缄
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 缄
Podcast: 缄
Podcast: 缄
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 缄
缄 is more formal and is often used in literary contexts or when referring to historical letters. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters like 封 (fēng), which also means to seal but is more commonly used in everyday language. Remember that the tone is critical; using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstandings.
While 缄 is not in the HSK levels, it connects well with other words related to communication and letters, like 信 (xìn, letter) or 封 (fēng, seal). Students should focus on recognizing the character's form and its associations with communication.
Learners often confuse 缄 with 封, using 缄 in everyday situations where 封 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我把信缄了' (I sealed the letter) instead of '我把信封了' is incorrect in casual context.
Pronunciation of 缄
Drill the tone of 缄 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 缄
Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 咸 represents the sound. Simplified form of 緘.
silk
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 缄
Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 咸 represents the sound. Simplified form of 緘.
- 1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half咸 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 缄? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 缄?
Decomposition of 缄
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 缄?
How to say to seal, to close, to bind; a letter in Chinese
“to seal, to close, to bind; a letter” in Chinese is缄
The character 缄 (jiān) primarily means to seal or close something, often in the context of letters or boxes. It can also refer to the act of binding or fastening. In historical contexts, it is associated with the idea of communication, particularly in the form of letters that are sealed to ensure privacy.
When to use 缄
缄 is more formal and is often used in literary contexts or when referring to historical letters. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters like 封 (fēng), which also means to seal but is more commonly used in everyday language. Remember that the tone is critical; using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 缄 with 封, using 缄 in everyday situations where 封 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我把信缄了' (I sealed the letter) instead of '我把信封了' is incorrect in casual context.
Write 缄
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 缄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 缄
Compound Meaning
What does 缄默 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 缄
缄 is used in more formal contexts, often relating to letters, while 封 is more commonly used in everyday language to mean seal.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 缄?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.