HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
陷
xiàn
trap
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
陷
xiàn
to get stuck
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
陷
xiàn
to sink
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
陷
xiàn
to cave in
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
陷
xiàn
to frame (false charge)
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
陷
xiàn
to capture (a city in battle)
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
陷
xiàn
to fall (to the enemy)
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
陷
xiàn
defect
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
陷
xiàn
to sink, to plunge; trap, pitfall
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4564, Very Hard
xiàn(xian4) T4
1pitfall
2trap
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March 24, 2026
陷xiàn(xian4)
The character 陷 (xiàn) primarily means to fall into a pit or trap, both literally and metaphorically. It can be used to describe situations where someone is caught in a difficult circumstance or deceived, and it is commonly used in expressions regarding pitfalls or traps in life, such as financial or emotional traps.
Strokes10Radical阝Frequency#4564DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of falling into traps is often linked to moral lessons and cautionary tales. It reflects the importance of being vigilant and wise to avoid pitfalls in both personal and professional life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person falling into a deep pit (陷) filled with mud. The character looks like a person (亻) clinging to the edge of a hole (土), struggling to escape the trap. This visual can help you remember both the meaning of 'trap' and the pronunciation 'xiàn' as you picture their desperate situation.
Meanings of 陷
xiàn(xian4)
1pitfall
2trap
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 陷
陷Simplified
10Strokes
阝Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4564Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 陷
Podcast: 陷
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AI Study Notes for 陷
Quick Contrast
掉 (diào) - use 陷 when referring to falling into a trap or difficult situation, while 掉 is more general for falling or dropping without the implication of a trap.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 陷 with similar-sounding characters. It is important to note that 陷 is used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 陷入困境 (xiànrù kùnjìng - to fall into difficulties) and 陷阱 (xiànjǐng - trap). Ensure correct pronunciation, particularly the fourth tone to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
While 陷 is not part of the official HSK levels, it is useful for learners at HSK 4 and above, especially when discussing complex situations. Students should focus on using it in context, particularly in phrases that describe challenges and difficulties.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 陷 as 'xiān' instead of 'xiàn'. Additionally, they might confuse it with 限 (xiàn - limit), leading to incorrect meanings in sentences. For example, saying '他被限制在陷阱里' (Tā bèi xiànzhì zài xiànjǐng lǐ - He is limited in the trap) instead of the correct usage.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陷
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1The giveawayA place 阝 with a pit 臽; 臽 also provides the pronunciation
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 陷? 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 陷?
Decomposition of 陷
IDS Structure⿰阝臽
陷Full Character
=
阝yi4
left
臽xian4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 陷?
How to say pitfall in Chinese
“pitfall” in Chinese is陷xiàn
The character 陷 (xiàn) primarily means to fall into a pit or trap, both literally and metaphorically. It can be used to describe situations where someone is caught in a difficult circumstance or deceived, and it is commonly used in expressions regarding pitfalls or traps in life, such as financial or emotional traps.
When to use 陷
Learners often confuse 陷 with similar-sounding characters. It is important to note that 陷 is used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 陷入困境 (xiànrù kùnjìng - to fall into difficulties) and 陷阱 (xiànjǐng - trap). Ensure correct pronunciation, particularly the fourth tone to avoid confusion.
陷 or something close to it
掉 (diào) - use 陷 when referring to falling into a trap or difficult situation, while 掉 is more general for falling or dropping without the implication of a trap.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 陷 as 'xiān' instead of 'xiàn'. Additionally, they might confuse it with 限 (xiàn - limit), leading to incorrect meanings in sentences. For example, saying '他被限制在陷阱里' (Tā bèi xiànzhì zài xiànjǐng lǐ - He is limited in the trap) instead of the correct usage.
Write 陷
陷
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Practice writing 陷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 陷
陷 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 10 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.
