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铉 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
xuàna device for carrying a tripodg, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #20760, Hard
xuànstick-like implement inserted into the handles of a tripod cauldron in ancient times in order to lift the cauldronunknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #20760, Hard
xuàncommonly used in Korean names, transcribed as "hyun"unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #20760, Hard
xuàn(xuan4) T4
  1. 1a device for carrying a tripod
  2. 2stick-like implement inserted into the handles of a tripod cauldron in ancient times in order to lift the cauldron
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

(鉉)xuàn(xuan4)

The character 铉 (xuàn) refers to a device used in ancient times, particularly for lifting a tripod cauldron. It embodies the concept of a stick-like implement that connects to the handles of a tripod, playing a crucial role in the functionality of these vessels. Although this term is not commonly used in modern contexts, it holds historical significance.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#20760DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The use of tripod cauldrons was significant in ancient Chinese rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing stability and tradition. Understanding 铉 provides insight into the craftsmanship and culinary practices of historical China, reflecting the importance of cooking in cultural heritage.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'stick' (the 'xu' sound) that helps lift a 'heavy cauldron' (the 'an' sound). Picture a strong person using a sturdy stick to hoist a three-legged pot, emphasizing the connection between the character's form and function.

Meanings of 铉

xuàn(xuan4)
1a device for carrying a tripod
2stick-like implement inserted into the handles of a tripod cauldron in ancient times in order to lift the cauldron
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 铉

Simplified
Traditional
10Strokes
Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 铉

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AI Study Notes for 铉

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'stick' (the 'xu' sound) that helps lift a 'heavy cauldron' (the 'an' sound). Picture a strong person using a sturdy stick to hoist a three-legged pot, emphasizing the connection between the character's form and function.

Usage Notes

This character is quite specialized and may not be frequently encountered in everyday conversation. It is more likely to appear in historical texts or discussions about ancient Chinese cooking methods. Be aware of the pronunciation, as mispronouncing the tones can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding characters.

HSK Study Tips

Since 铉 (xuàn) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners should focus on understanding its historical context and usage rather than expecting it in standard language practice. It does connect with other historical terms in ancient Chinese culture, enriching vocabulary related to antiquities.

Cultural Note

The use of tripod cauldrons was significant in ancient Chinese rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing stability and tradition. Understanding 铉 provides insight into the craftsmanship and culinary practices of historical China, reflecting the importance of cooking in cultural heritage.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 铉 (xuàn) with similar characters due to the pronunciation challenge. For example, mistakenly writing it as 玄 (xuán), which means 'mysterious'. Always double-check the context and tone.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 铉

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Etymology of 铉

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

metal

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 铉?

Decomposition of 铉

IDS Structure⿰钅玄
Full Character
=
jin1
left
xuan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 铉?

Write 铉

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

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Cultural Notes for 铉

🏮Cultural insight

The use of tripod cauldrons was significant in ancient Chinese rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing stability and tradition. Understanding 铉 provides insight into the craftsmanship and culinary practices of historical China, reflecting the importance of cooking in cultural heritage.

Word Family of 铉

Words Containing This Character3
卢武铉Roh Moo-hyun (1946-2009), South Korean lawyer and politician, president 2003-2008盧武鉉
xuàncommonly used in Korean names, transcribed as "hyun"
徐铉Xu Xuan (-991), author of commentaries on Shuowen Jiezi 說文解字註|说文解字注[Shuō​wén​Jiě​zì​Zhù]徐鉉
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 卢武铉 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 铉

It is primarily of historical interest and may not have practical applications in modern Mandarin.