Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
缮(繕)shàn(shan4)
The character 缮 (shàn) primarily means 'to repair' or 'to mend,' often used in contexts involving fixing physical objects or materials. It can also mean 'to transcribe' or 'to rewrite,' typically in reference to writing or copying texts accurately. The character conveys a sense of restoration and careful attention to detail.
Strokes15Radical纟Frequency#66163DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of repairing is often associated with the philosophy of sustainability and valuing what one already possesses, reflecting a mindset against wastefulness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a craftsman (represented by the radical 缶, which suggests pottery or containers) meticulously repairing a broken vase. The sound 'shàn' can be linked to 'shun' (顺), meaning smooth, as a well-repaired item should function smoothly again.
Meanings of 缮
shàn(shan4)
1to repair, to mend; to transcribe, to rewrite
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 缮
缮Simplified
繕Traditional
15Strokes
纟Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 缮
Podcast: 缮
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 缮
Quick Contrast
修 (xiū) - use 修 when referring to maintenance or general repairs, while 缮 emphasizes careful mending or transcription.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a craftsman (represented by the radical 缶, which suggests pottery or containers) meticulously repairing a broken vase. The sound 'shàn' can be linked to 'shun' (顺), meaning smooth, as a well-repaired item should function smoothly again.
Usage Notes
缮 is often used in formal contexts, particularly in literary or official language, and can appear in phrases about document preparation. Be cautious with the tone; ensure to pronounce it with the fourth tone (shàn) to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
While 缮 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other verbs related to actions and processes, such as 修 (xiū - to repair) and 写 (xiě - to write). Focus on understanding its usage in combination with other characters in phrases related to repair or writing.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of repairing is often associated with the philosophy of sustainability and valuing what one already possesses, reflecting a mindset against wastefulness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 缮 with similar verbs like 修 (xiū), which is more commonly used for 'repair.' For example, saying '我需要修这本书' (Wǒ xūyào xiū zhè běn shū - I need to repair this book) is correct, while using 缮 here would sound overly formal and uncommon.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 缮
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 缮 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 缮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 缮
缮 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 2
Complete the Sentence
他们不仅修____了老寺庙,还修建了许多新寺庙.
They built new temples and repaired and improved old ones.
Example Sentences for 缮 (2)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们不仅修缮了老寺庙,还修建了许多新寺庙.
tā mén bù jǐn xiū shàn le lǎo sì miào, , huán xiū jiàn le xǔ duō xīn sì.
They built new temples and repaired and improved old ones.
2
对各学校的修缮和维护工作积压了一堆。
duì gè xué xiào de xiū shàn hé wéi hù gōng zuò jī yā le yī duī。
There is a backlog of repairs and maintenance in schools.
Cultural Notes for 缮
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of repairing is often associated with the philosophy of sustainability and valuing what one already possesses, reflecting a mindset against wastefulness.
Word Family of 缮
Words Containing This Character3
修缮to renovate修繕
缮shànto repair繕
缮写to copy繕寫
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 修缮 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 缮
Common phrases include 缮写 (shànxiě - to transcribe) and 缮工 (shàn gōng - a repair worker).
缮 is primarily used in written Chinese, particularly in formal or literary contexts.
You can connect 'shàn' with 'shun' (顺) as both relate to smoothness, making it easier to recall.
