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March 24, 2026
缆(纜)lǎn(lan3)
The character 缆 (lǎn) refers to a heavy-duty rope or cable used for mooring ships or securing objects. It typically denotes strong, durable materials, often employed in maritime contexts or construction. This term is commonly used in discussions about shipping, transportation, and engineering.
Strokes12Radical纟Frequency#19476DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In maritime culture, 缆 is essential for ensuring the safety of vessels. Chinese ports have a rich history of using strong cables for docking ships, reflecting the importance of maritime trade in China's economy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a thick cable (缆) holding a boat steady at the dock. The character 缆 looks like a rope tied in knots, emphasizing its strength. The 'lǎn' pronunciation can be remembered by thinking of 'land' where ships dock and need secure cables.
Meanings of 缆
lǎn(lan3)
1cable, hawser, heavy-duty rope
2to moor
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 缆
缆Simplified
纜Traditional
12Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 缆
Podcast: 缆
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AI Study Notes for 缆
Quick Contrast
绳 (shéng) — use 缆 when referring specifically to heavy-duty cables, while 绳 is more general for ropes.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a thick cable (缆) holding a boat steady at the dock. The character 缆 looks like a rope tied in knots, emphasizing its strength. The 'lǎn' pronunciation can be remembered by thinking of 'land' where ships dock and need secure cables.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 缆 with similar sounding words that refer to lighter ropes or general strings. This term is more formal and often used in technical contexts. Common collocations include '缆绳' (lǎnshéng, cable rope) and '缆车' (lǎnchē, cable car).
HSK Study Tips
While 缆 is not included in HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners interested in technical or maritime vocabulary. Connecting this word to related terms like '绳' (shéng, rope) can enhance understanding of its usage and context.
Cultural Note
In maritime culture, 缆 is essential for ensuring the safety of vessels. Chinese ports have a rich history of using strong cables for docking ships, reflecting the importance of maritime trade in China's economy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 缆 with lighter terms for rope, using it in inappropriate contexts. For example, saying '我需要一根缆来捆书' (I need a cable to tie books) is incorrect; it should be '绳' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 缆
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Grammar Patterns of 缆
缆 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 2 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
半个小时内，他们就给每根电____都换了标签。
In half an hour, they'd switched the tags on every cable.
Example Sentences for 缆 (10)
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1
半个小时内，他们就给每根电缆都换了标签。
bàn gè xiǎo shí nèi， ， tā mén jiù gěi měi gēn diàn lǎn dū huàn le biāo。
In half an hour, they'd switched the tags on every cable.
Use the crocodile clips to attach the cables to the battery.
10
尼古拉斯把泊船的绳缆解开。
ní gǔ lā sī bǎ bó chuán de shéng lǎn jiě kāi。
Nicholas untied the boat from her mooring.
Cultural Notes for 缆
🏮Cultural insight
In maritime culture, 缆 is essential for ensuring the safety of vessels. Chinese ports have a rich history of using strong cables for docking ships, reflecting the importance of maritime trade in China's economy.
Word Family of 缆
Words Containing This Character11
电缆(electric) cable電纜
缆lǎncable纜
缆车lǎnchēcable car纜車
光缆guānglǎnoptical cable光纜
缆绳cable纜繩
钢缆steel cable鋼纜
缆索cable纜索
同轴电缆coaxial cable同軸電纜
线缆cable線纜
解缆to untie a mooring rope解纜
缆桩mooring bollard纜樁
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 电缆 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 缆
缆 refers specifically to heavy-duty cables used for mooring, while 绳 refers to lighter ropes used for various purposes.
Yes, it can also refer to strong cables used in construction or mechanical contexts.
It's more common in technical discussions rather than casual conversation.
