Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
缣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
缣jiānfine silkg, 13 strokes, radical 纟
缣jiānthick waterproof silkunknown, 13 strokes, radical 纟
jiān(jian1)jian T1
  1. 1fine silk
  2. 2thick waterproof silk
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

缣(縑)jiān(jian1)

缣 (jiān) refers to a type of fine silk that is often characterized by its luxurious texture and quality. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese garments and textiles, particularly for formal occasions. The term can also refer to thicker, waterproof silk, which highlights its versatility in textile applications.

Strokes13Radical纟
Cultural note

In ancient China, 缣 was highly valued and often associated with nobility and wealth, reflecting the social status of those who could afford such luxurious materials. This connection to status can be seen in traditional clothing worn during festivals and ceremonies.

Memory tip

Imagine a luxurious piece of fine silk draping elegantly. The character 缣 contains the radical '丝' (sī), which means 'silk', reminding you that this word is all about fine fabrics. Picture a grand banquet where everyone is wearing garments made from this exquisite fabric, reinforcing the idea of elegance and quality.

Meanings of 缣

jiān(jian1)
1fine silk
2thick waterproof silk
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 缣 means.

About 缣

缣Simplified
縑Traditional
13Strokes
纟Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 缣

JasonAmy

Podcast: 缣

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 缣

Usage Notes

缣 is a more formal term and is often used in literary or historical contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with other similar sounding words; it is specifically for fine silk. Common collocations include '缣绸' (silk cloth) when discussing textiles.

HSK Study Tips

Though 缣 is not included in HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to textiles, which may appear in HSK 4-6 when discussing clothing and culture. Focus on the radicals and similar textile-related vocabulary to strengthen your understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 缣 with other silk-related terms like '丝' (sī) which simply means 'silk'. For example, saying '我喜欢丝' (wǒ xǐ huān sī) when referring to fine silk instead of using 缣. The correct expression would be '我喜欢缣' (wǒ xǐ huān jiān).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 缣

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 缣 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 缣 to you

Let me explain 缣 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 缣 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 缣?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 缣 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 缣

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

silk

Semantic (meaning)纟
+
Phonetic (sound)兼
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

缣 = 纟 + 兼. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 缣

IDS Structure⿰纟兼
缣Full character
=
纟si1
left
兼jian1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 缣?

How to say fine silk in Chinese

“fine silk” in Chinese is缣jiān

缣 (jiān) refers to a type of fine silk that is often characterized by its luxurious texture and quality. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese garments and textiles, particularly for formal occasions. The term can also refer to thicker, waterproof silk, which highlights its versatility in textile applications.

When to use 缣

缣 is a more formal term and is often used in literary or historical contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with other similar sounding words; it is specifically for fine silk. Common collocations include '缣绸' (silk cloth) when discussing textiles.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 缣 with other silk-related terms like '丝' (sī) which simply means 'silk'. For example, saying '我喜欢丝' (wǒ xǐ huān sī) when referring to fine silk instead of using 缣. The correct expression would be '我喜欢缣' (wǒ xǐ huān jiān).

Write 缣

缣

Practice writing 缣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 缣?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 缣

Words containing this character1
缣jiānthick waterproof silk縑

Frequently asked questions about 缣

It is pronounced as 'jiān'.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 缣?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab