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銓 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
銓quánto weigh, to measure; to select, to elect; to estimatex, 14 strokes, radical 釒
quán(quan2)quan T2
  1. 1to weigh, to measure; to select, to elect; to estimate
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March 24, 2026

銓quán(quan2)

The character 銓 (quán) primarily means to weigh or measure, often in the context of evaluating the weight of metals or precious materials. It is also used to express the act of selecting or electing, particularly in formal or official contexts, such as appointing officials or making choices based on merit. This dual meaning highlights the importance of assessment and decision-making in various situations.

Strokes14Radical釒
Cultural note

In ancient China, the weighing of metals was a crucial aspect of trade and governance, often indicating the wealth and power of a region. This character reflects the historical significance of accurate measurements in determining value and influence.

Memory tip

Imagine a scale weighing gold coins (the metal reference in 銓) while an official uses a quill to select the best candidate for a position. The '金' radical (meaning metal) reminds you of weighing, while the rest of the character evokes the idea of selection.

Meanings of 銓

quán(quan2)
1to weigh, to measure; to select, to elect; to estimate
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 銓 means.

About 銓

銓Simplified
14Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 銓

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Podcast: 銓

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AI study notes for 銓

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 銓 with similar-sounding words like 权 (quán), which means power or authority. While 銓 is more formal and related to measurement and selection, 权 is commonly used in everyday conversations regarding influence or control. Common collocations include 銓量 (quánliàng, to weigh) and 銓选 (quánxuǎn, to select).

HSK Study Tips

While 銓 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 6 themes such as formal decision-making and evaluation. Focus on the practical applications in contexts like job selection or weighing options, which are useful for advanced conversations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 銓 with 权 (quán) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我想有权重' (wǒ xiǎng yǒu quán zhòng) instead of '我想要衡量' (wǒ xiǎng yào héngliàng) leads to confusion about meaning. Always clarify the context to avoid misunderstandings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 銓

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Etymology of 銓

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

metal

Semantic (meaning)釒
+
Phonetic (sound)全
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

銓 = 釒 + 全. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 銓

IDS Structure⿰釒全
銓Full character
=
釒jin1
left
全Quan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 銓?

How to say to weigh, to measure; to select, to elect; to estimate in Chinese

“to weigh, to measure; to select, to elect; to estimate” in Chinese is銓quán

The character 銓 (quán) primarily means to weigh or measure, often in the context of evaluating the weight of metals or precious materials. It is also used to express the act of selecting or electing, particularly in formal or official contexts, such as appointing officials or making choices based on merit. This dual meaning highlights the importance of assessment and decision-making in various situations.

When to use 銓

Be careful not to confuse 銓 with similar-sounding words like 权 (quán), which means power or authority. While 銓 is more formal and related to measurement and selection, 权 is commonly used in everyday conversations regarding influence or control. Common collocations include 銓量 (quánliàng, to weigh) and 銓选 (quánxuǎn, to select).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 銓 with 权 (quán) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我想有权重' (wǒ xiǎng yǒu quán zhòng) instead of '我想要衡量' (wǒ xiǎng yào héngliàng) leads to confusion about meaning. Always clarify the context to avoid misunderstandings.

Write 銓

銓

Practice writing 銓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 銓

Words containing this character3
铨quánto estimate銓
蒋士铨jiǎngshìquánJiang Shiquan (1725-1784), Qing poet, one of Three great poets of the Qianlong era 乾嘉三大家蔣士銓
胡铨húquánHu Quan (1102-1180), Song Dynasty official and poet胡銓
Exercise 1 of 3

Characters with 銓

What does 铨 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 銓

It is pronounced as 'quán' with a rising tone.

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