unknown, 12 strokes, radical 纟, rank #19476, Very Hard
lǎn(lan3) T3
1cable, hawser, heavy-duty rope
2to moor
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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#19476DifficultyVery Hard
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.
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.
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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2The sound half览 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaythread
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 缆? 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 缆?
Decomposition of 缆
IDS Structure⿰纟览
缆Full Character
=
纟si1
left
览lan3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 缆?
How to say cable, hawser, heavy-duty rope in Chinese
“cable, hawser, heavy-duty rope” in Chinese is缆lǎn
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.
When to use 缆
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).
缆 or something close to it
绳 (shéng) — use 缆 when referring specifically to heavy-duty cables, while 绳 is more general for ropes.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 缆
缆
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Practice writing 缆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
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.
