HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 饣, rank #14631, Very Hard
馅
xiàn
forcemeat
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 饣, rank #14631, Very Hard
馅
xiàn
filling
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 饣, rank #14631, Very Hard
馅
xiàn
filling, stuffing; secret
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 饣, rank #14631, Very Hard
xiàn(xian4) T4
1stuffing
2forcemeat
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
馅(餡)xiàn(xian4)
The character 馅 (xiàn) refers to filling or stuffing, commonly used in the context of dumplings, buns, and other foods. It can describe both savory and sweet fillings, and is often associated with the preparation of traditional Chinese dishes. In a broader sense, it can also imply something hidden or a secret within an object.
Strokes11Radical饣Frequency#14631DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, the preparation of dumplings with various types of 馅 is a significant tradition, especially during festivals such as the Lantern Festival and Chinese New Year. Families often gather to make dumplings together, symbolizing unity and prosperity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a delicious dumpling that is bursting with filling. The character 馅 looks like a dumpling ('饺子', jiǎozi) with its 'meat' component ('肉', ròu) hidden inside, which connects to the idea of stuffing. The pronunciation 'xiàn' sounds like 'scent', reminding you of the enticing aroma of freshly steamed dumplings.
Meanings of 馅
xiàn(xian4)
1stuffing
2forcemeat
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 馅
馅Simplified
餡Traditional
11Strokes
饣Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14631Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 馅
Podcast: 馅
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 馅
Quick Contrast
饺子 (jiǎozi) vs 馅 (xiàn) — use 馅 to refer specifically to the filling inside dumplings, while 饺子 refers to the dumpling as a whole.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 馅 (xiàn) with similar words like 线 (xiàn), which means 'line'. The character is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in culinary discussions. Be mindful of using it in the right context where filling is relevant, such as in recipes or food descriptions.
HSK Study Tips
While 馅 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners interested in food-related terms, particularly at the HSK 3-4 level. Focus on how it combines with other words like 饺子馅 (jiǎozi xiàn) meaning 'dumpling filling' to expand your culinary vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 馅 (xiàn) with 线 (xiàn), leading to phrases like '面条的线' (miàntiáo de xiàn) instead of '面条的馅' (miàntiáo de xiàn) for 'noodle filling'. Always ensure you are using the correct character related to food.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 馅
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1The giveawayFood 饣 stuffed in a hole 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 馅? 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 馅?
Decomposition of 馅
IDS Structure⿰饣臽
馅Full Character
=
饣shi2
left
臽xian4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 馅?
How to say stuffing in Chinese
“stuffing” in Chinese is馅xiàn
The character 馅 (xiàn) refers to filling or stuffing, commonly used in the context of dumplings, buns, and other foods. It can describe both savory and sweet fillings, and is often associated with the preparation of traditional Chinese dishes. In a broader sense, it can also imply something hidden or a secret within an object.
When to use 馅
Common mistakes include confusing 馅 (xiàn) with similar words like 线 (xiàn), which means 'line'. The character is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in culinary discussions. Be mindful of using it in the right context where filling is relevant, such as in recipes or food descriptions.
馅 or something close to it
饺子 (jiǎozi) vs 馅 (xiàn) — use 馅 to refer specifically to the filling inside dumplings, while 饺子 refers to the dumpling as a whole.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 馅 (xiàn) with 线 (xiàn), leading to phrases like '面条的线' (miàntiáo de xiàn) instead of '面条的馅' (miàntiáo de xiàn) for 'noodle filling'. Always ensure you are using the correct character related to food.
Write 馅
馅
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Practice writing 馅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 馅
馅 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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 5
Complete the Sentence
他在鱼钩上装了点____饼作钓饵。
He baited his hook with pie.
Example Sentences for 馅 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他在鱼钩上装了点馅饼作钓饵。
tā zài yú gōu shàng zhuāng le diǎn xiàn bǐng zuò diào ěr。
He baited his hook with pie.
2
它非常适合做蛋糕和软布丁的馅儿。
tā fēi cháng shì hé zuò dàn gāo hé ruǎn bù dīng de xiàn ér。
