unknown, 4 strokes, radical 门, rank #29644, Very Hard
闩
shuān
to latch
unknown, 4 strokes, radical 门, rank #29644, Very Hard
shuān(shuan1) T1
1bolt, latch, crossbar
2to bolt
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March 24, 2026
闩(閂)shuān(shuan1)
The character 闩 (shuān) refers to a bolt or latch, commonly used in the context of securing doors or gates. It can also describe the action of bolting or latching something shut. This term is primarily used in practical, everyday situations related to security and safety.
Strokes4Radical门Frequency#29644DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, secure latching mechanisms like 闩 were crucial for protecting homes from intruders, reflecting the importance of safety in daily life. This character embodies the practical aspects of security in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 闩 as a door (the outer part '门' means door) being secured by a strong bolt (the inner '闩' looks like a person pushing down the bolt to lock it). Imagine a scene where a person is bolting the door at night for security, reinforcing the sound 'shuān' with the action.
Meanings of 闩
shuān(shuan1)
1bolt, latch, crossbar
2to bolt
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 闩
闩Simplified
閂Traditional
4Strokes
门Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 闩
Podcast: 闩
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AI Study Notes for 闩
Usage Notes
When using 闩, it's important to note that it is more common in written Chinese than in casual speech. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters related to locking or securing. Remember to use the correct tone (first tone) to avoid mispronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 闩 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with words related to security such as 锁 (suǒ, lock) and 闭 (bì, close). Focus on how these words interact in contexts involving safety and security to enhance understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 闩 with 锁 (suǒ, lock) and use them interchangeably, saying '我把门锁了' (wǒ bǎmén suǒle) instead of the more appropriate '我把门闩上了' (wǒ bǎmén shuān shàngle) when referring to latching a door.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 闩
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 闩? 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 闩?
Decomposition of 闩
IDS Structure⿵门一
闩Full Character
=
门Men2
enclosing
一yi1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 闩?
How to say bolt, latch, crossbar in Chinese
“bolt, latch, crossbar” in Chinese is闩shuān
The character 闩 (shuān) refers to a bolt or latch, commonly used in the context of securing doors or gates. It can also describe the action of bolting or latching something shut. This term is primarily used in practical, everyday situations related to security and safety.
When to use 闩
When using 闩, it's important to note that it is more common in written Chinese than in casual speech. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters related to locking or securing. Remember to use the correct tone (first tone) to avoid mispronunciation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 闩 with 锁 (suǒ, lock) and use them interchangeably, saying '我把门锁了' (wǒ bǎmén suǒle) instead of the more appropriate '我把门闩上了' (wǒ bǎmén shuān shàngle) when referring to latching a door.
Write 闩
闩
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Practice writing 闩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 闩
闩 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
松一松插销，好转动门____。
Loosen the bolt so the bars can be turned.
Example Sentences for 闩 (8)
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1
松一松插销，好转动门闩。
sōng yī sōng chā xiāo， ， hǎo zhuǎn dòng mén。
Loosen the bolt so the bars can be turned.
2
你没把门闩插上，所以狗跑了。
nǐ méi bǎ mén shuān chā shàng， ， suǒ yǐ gǒu pǎo。
You left the latch off the gate and the dog escaped.
3
我一看到蝙蝠就把门闩上了。
wǒ yī kàn dào biān fú jiù bǎ mén shuān shàng le。
I had bolted the door the instant I had seen the bat.
