Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
铉 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
铉xuàna device for carrying a tripodg, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #20760, Very Hard
铉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, Very Hard
铉xuàncommonly used in Korean names, transcribed as "hyun"unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #20760, Very 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

铉(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.

Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#20760DifficultyVery Hard
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

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

Podcast: 铉

JasonAmy

Podcast: 铉

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 铉

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.

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

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 铉 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 铉

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

metal

Semantic (meaning)钅
+
Phonetic (sound)玄
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 铉

  1. 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half玄 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaymetal
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 铉? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 铉?

Decomposition of 铉

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

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 铉?

How to say a device for carrying a tripod in Chinese

“a device for carrying a tripod” in Chinese is铉xuàn

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.

When to use 铉

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.

What learners get wrong

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.

Write 铉

铉

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

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
铉xuàncommonly used in Korean names, transcribed as "hyun"鉉
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.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 铉?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.