unknown, 10 strokes, radical 辶, rank #38864, Very Hard
qūn(qun1) T1
1to withdraw, to retreat, to fall back
2to shrink back (from sth)
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March 24, 2026
逡qūn(qun1)
The character 逡 (qūn) refers to the action of withdrawing or retreating, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. It can imply pulling back from a situation or shrinking away from something daunting or uncomfortable. This word is typically used in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
Strokes10Radical辶Frequency#38864DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese literature and philosophy, the concept of retreating or withdrawing is often seen as a strategic move, reflecting the idea of yielding to gain an advantage, which can be related to principles found in texts like the Dao De Jing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a snail slowly withdrawing into its shell when it feels threatened. The character 逡 has the '走' radical (to walk) on the left, suggesting movement away, and the right part can remind you of a shell. Connect the sound 'qūn' to 'cocoon,' as both involve retreating for safety.
Meanings of 逡
qūn(qun1)
1to withdraw, to retreat, to fall back
2to shrink back (from sth)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 逡
逡Simplified
10Strokes
辶Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 逡
Podcast: 逡
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AI Study Notes for 逡
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a snail slowly withdrawing into its shell when it feels threatened. The character 逡 has the '走' radical (to walk) on the left, suggesting movement away, and the right part can remind you of a shell. Connect the sound 'qūn' to 'cocoon,' as both involve retreating for safety.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 逡 with similar characters like 退 (tuì), which also means to retreat but is more commonly used. 逡 is more formal and may appear in literary texts or idiomatic expressions. Pay attention to the tone; using a different tone can alter the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
Although 逡 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your reading of classical Chinese literature. Focus on its usage in conjunction with other verbs of movement or withdrawal to grasp subtleties in meaning.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese literature and philosophy, the concept of retreating or withdrawing is often seen as a strategic move, reflecting the idea of yielding to gain an advantage, which can be related to principles found in texts like the Dao De Jing.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 逡 in casual contexts where 退 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我想逡回去' (I want to retreat back) instead of '我想退回去' can sound overly formal.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 逡
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Cultural Notes for 逡
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese literature and philosophy, the concept of retreating or withdrawing is often seen as a strategic move, reflecting the idea of yielding to gain an advantage, which can be related to principles found in texts like the Dao De Jing.
Word Family of 逡
Words Containing This Character3
逡qūnto shrink back (from sth)
逡巡to draw back
逡巡不前to balk
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 逡 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 逡
No, 逡 is more often found in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday language.
While both mean to retreat, 退 is more commonly used in everyday language, whereas 逡 has a more formal or literary connotation.
