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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Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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
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About 缣
缣Simplified
縑Traditional
13Strokes
纟Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 缣
Podcast: 缣
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AI Study Notes for 缣
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
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Cultural Notes for 缣
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 缣
Words Containing This Character1
缣jiānthick waterproof silk縑
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 缣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 缣
It is pronounced as 'jiān'.
Yes, while it is more formal, it can still be found in literature and discussions about traditional textiles.
缣 specifically refers to fine or thicker waterproof silk, whereas other terms may refer to different qualities or types of silk.
