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March 24, 2026
聶niè(nie4)
The character 聶 (niè) primarily means 'to whisper' and can also refer to a common Chinese surname. It is often used in contexts involving quiet or soft speech, which can carry a sense of intimacy or secrecy.
Strokes18Radical耳Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The surname 聶 is associated with notable historical figures in Chinese history, especially in literature and politics. Understanding this name can offer insights into Chinese heritage and lineage.
Memory Tip
To remember 聶 (niè), think of a 'whispering ear' – the left side of the character (耳) resembles an ear, while the rest of the character suggests a gentle sound. Imagine someone leaning in close to share a secret, softly whispering with their ear close to your mouth.
Meanings of 聶
niè(nie4)
1to whisper; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 聶
聶Simplified
18Strokes
耳Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 聶
Podcast: 聶
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AI Study Notes for 聶
Memory Mnemonic
To remember 聶 (niè), think of a 'whispering ear' – the left side of the character (耳) resembles an ear, while the rest of the character suggests a gentle sound. Imagine someone leaning in close to share a secret, softly whispering with their ear close to your mouth.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 聶 with similar-sounding characters. It is used in informal contexts related to speech, but can also appear in literary works. Pay attention to tone, as 'niè' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
While 聶 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to communication, such as '说' (to speak) and '听' (to listen). Students should focus on differentiating between similar characters and their meanings.
Cultural Note
The surname 聶 is associated with notable historical figures in Chinese history, especially in literature and politics. Understanding this name can offer insights into Chinese heritage and lineage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly write 聶 as 聂, which is a simplified version. It's important to remember the traditional form when writing in contexts that require it.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 聶
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Cultural Notes for 聶
🏮Cultural insight
The surname 聶 is associated with notable historical figures in Chinese history, especially in literature and politics. Understanding this name can offer insights into Chinese heritage and lineage.
Word Family of 聶
Words Containing This Character7
聂nièsurname Nie聶
聂卫平Nie Weiping (1952-), professional Go player聶衛平
聂耳Nie Er (1912-1935), musician and composer of the PRC national anthem March of the Volunteer Army 義勇軍進行曲|义勇军进行曲聶耳
聂拉木Nyalam county, Tibetan: Gnya' lam rdzong, in Shigatse prefecture, Tibet聶拉木
聂荣Nyainrong county, Tibetan: Gnyan rong rdzong, in Nagchu prefecture 那曲地區|那曲地区[Nàqǔdìqū], central Tibet聶榮
聂拉木县Nyalam county, Tibetan: Gnya' lam rdzong, in Shigatse prefecture, Tibet聶拉木縣
聂荣县Nyainrong county, Tibetan: Gnyan rong rdzong, in Nagchu prefecture 那曲地區|那曲地区[Nàqǔdìqū], central Tibet聶榮縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 聂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 聶
In a sentence, you might say, '他在耳边轻声聂着' (He is whispering softly in my ear).
Yes, 聶 is a recognized surname in China, though it is not among the most common.
You can use 聶 when talking about confidential conversations or soft exchanges.
