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March 24, 2026
舷xián(xian2)
The character 舷 (xián) refers specifically to the sides of a ship or aircraft, commonly known as bulwarks or gunwales. It is often used in nautical or aviation contexts to describe the structural elements that provide support and safety on the sides of vessels or planes.
Strokes11Radical舟Frequency#9854DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese maritime history, the construction of ships with sturdy bulwarks has been essential for safety during long voyages, reflecting the importance of navigation and trade in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a ship with high sides (舷) that protect passengers from falling overboard. The character resembles a ship's side, with the radical 舟 (boat) on the left, which can help you remember its meaning relates to vessels.
Meanings of 舷
xián(xian2)
1bulwarks, gunwhale
2side of a ship or an aircraft
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 舷
舷Simplified
11Strokes
舟Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 舷
Podcast: 舷
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AI Study Notes for 舷
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a ship with high sides (舷) that protect passengers from falling overboard. The character resembles a ship's side, with the radical 舟 (boat) on the left, which can help you remember its meaning relates to vessels.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 舷 with similar terms related to ships, like 船 (chuán), which means 'boat' or 'ship' itself. This term is more formal and typically used in technical or maritime discussions.
HSK Study Tips
Although 舷 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other maritime terms that might be encountered in specialized contexts. Focus on recognizing it in readings or discussions related to shipping or aviation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese maritime history, the construction of ships with sturdy bulwarks has been essential for safety during long voyages, reflecting the importance of navigation and trade in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 舷 with 船 and mistakenly use it to refer to a ship as a whole rather than its sides. For example, saying '我喜欢这艘舷' (I like this side of the ship) instead of '我喜欢这艘船' (I like this ship) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 舷
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Grammar Patterns of 舷
舷 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 5
Complete the Sentence
这艘船的注册编号刻在前舱的左____上。
Her official number is carved on the port side of the forecabin.
Example Sentences for 舷 (7)
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1
这艘船的注册编号刻在前舱的左舷上。
zhè sōu chuán de zhù cè biān hào kè zài qián cāng de zuǒ xián shàng。
Her official number is carved on the port side of the forecabin.
2
舷梯上许多人上上下下。
xián tī shàng xǔ duō rén shàng shàng xià xià。
There's a lot of rushing up and down the gangways.
3
浪很高, 船的舷侧开始进水.
làng hěn gāo, , chuán de xián cè kāi shǐ jìn.
The waves were very high, and the boat began to ship water.
For some reason pilots prefer to turn to port if they made a faulty landing.
5
我们正右舷抢风行驶.
wǒ mén zhèng yòu xián qiāng fēng háng shǐ.
We were sailing on starboard tack.
6
“ 右舷后退, 叮 —— 啊铃 —— 铃!
“ “ yòu xián hòu, tuì—— , dīng—— ——!
'set her back on the stabboard ! Ting - a - ling - ling!
7
阳光从舷窗外面直射进来, 使外边那间气象堂皇的舱房十分轩敞.
yáng guāng cóng xián chuāng wài miàn zhí shè jìn lái, , shǐ wài biān nà jiān qì xiàng táng huáng de cāng fáng shí fēn xuān.
Sunlight streamed through the portholes, brightening the impressive outer cabin.
Cultural Notes for 舷
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese maritime history, the construction of ships with sturdy bulwarks has been essential for safety during long voyages, reflecting the importance of navigation and trade in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 舷
Words Containing This Character3
舷xiánside of a ship or an aircraft
船舷sides of a ship
舷梯gangway
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 舷 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 舷
舷 refers specifically to the sides of a ship or aircraft, while 船 means 'boat' or 'ship' in general.
No, 舷 is a technical term mostly used in maritime or aviation contexts, not in daily conversation.
