Meanings of 间
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 间
Podcast: 间
Podcast: 间
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 间
空间 (kōngjiān) vs 间 (jiān): Use 空间 when referring specifically to 'space' in a more abstract or physical sense, while 间 emphasizes the relational aspect of being 'between' or 'among.'
Be careful not to confuse 间 with similar characters like 间隔 (jiāngé), which specifically means 'interval' or 'gap.' This character is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Remember that its pronunciation may vary slightly in different phrases, affecting its meaning.
Although 间 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects with other spatial words such as 里 (lǐ, inside) and 前 (qián, front) that learners encounter. Focus on using it in context to describe locations and relationships between objects.
Learners often confuse 间 with 见 (jiàn, to see), resulting in incorrect phrases like '我在间他' (I see him in between). The correct form should be '我在他之间' (I am between him).
Pronunciation of 间
Drill the tone of 间 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 间
Simplified form of 間. Depicts sunlight (日) shining through the gap in a door (門).
The sun 日 shining through a doorway 门
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 间
Simplified form of 間. Depicts sunlight (日) shining through the gap in a door (門).
- 1The giveawayThe sun 日 shining through a doorway 门
- 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 间? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 间?
Decomposition of 间
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 间?
How to say between in Chinese
“between” in Chinese is间
The character 间 (jiān) primarily means 'between' or 'among,' indicating a spatial or temporal relationship. It can also refer to a 'room' or a 'gap,' and is commonly used in phrases related to locations and divisions, such as 'the space between two objects.' Understanding its various contexts is vital for effective communication.
When to use 间
Be careful not to confuse 间 with similar characters like 间隔 (jiāngé), which specifically means 'interval' or 'gap.' This character is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Remember that its pronunciation may vary slightly in different phrases, affecting its meaning.
间 or something close to it
空间 (kōngjiān) vs 间 (jiān): Use 空间 when referring specifically to 'space' in a more abstract or physical sense, while 间 emphasizes the relational aspect of being 'between' or 'among.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 间 with 见 (jiàn, to see), resulting in incorrect phrases like '我在间他' (I see him in between). The correct form should be '我在他之间' (I am between him).
Write 间
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 间 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 间
间 carries 11 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
房____里有两张桌子。
There are two tables in the room.
Example Sentences for 间 (14)
Word Family of 间
Compound Meaning
What does 简 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 间
You can say '书桌和椅子之间有一个小桌子' (There is a small table between the desk and the chair) to illustrate its use.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 间?
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.