Meanings of 茧
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 茧
Podcast: 茧
Podcast: 茧
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 茧
茧 (jiǎn) vs 繭 (jiǎn) — use 茧 for the protective casing of insects, while 繭 specifically refers to the cocoon of silkworms.
Think of a caterpillar wrapping itself in a soft, protective blanket – that’s a cocoon! The character 茧 has the radical '艹' (cǎo), which is associated with plants, hinting at its natural origins. Remembering 'jiǎn' can be like visualizing a 'jacket' that a caterpillar wears during its metamorphosis.
Learners often confuse 茧 with 甲 (jiǎ), which means armor or shell, due to similar sounds. This term is more commonly used in informal contexts, especially in discussions surrounding nature or personal development. Be careful with the third tone in 'jiǎn' to avoid miscommunication.
While 茧 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to topics about nature and the life cycle of insects, which are relevant in HSK levels focusing on daily life and environment. Students should focus on recognizing the character’s components and understanding its metaphorical uses.
The production of silk from silkworm cocoons is a significant part of Chinese culture and history, dating back thousands of years. This practice not only influenced Chinese economy but also had a profound impact on trade, leading to the establishment of the Silk Road.
Learners might mistakenly use 茧 to refer to general 'wrapping' instead of specifically to cocoons. For example, saying '我把书茧起来了' (I wrapped the book in a cocoon) is incorrect; it should be '我把书包起来了' (I wrapped the book up).
Pronunciation of 茧
Drill the tone of 茧 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 茧
A silk cocoon 艹 spun by a worm 虫
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 茧?
Decomposition of 茧
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 茧?
Write 茧
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 茧 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 茧
茧 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
他要是捞不到朱吟秋的干____, 可就有点窘, —— ”
If he doesn't get Chu Yin - chiu's cocoons, he'll be in a bit of a jam - "
Example Sentences for 茧 (2)
Cultural Notes for 茧
The production of silk from silkworm cocoons is a significant part of Chinese culture and history, dating back thousands of years. This practice not only influenced Chinese economy but also had a profound impact on trade, leading to the establishment of the Silk Road.
Word Family of 茧
Compound Meaning
What does 茧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 茧
Besides 'cocoon,' it can refer to calluses or blisters formed on the skin.