HSK 7, unknown, 6 strokes, radical 马, rank #7902, Hard
驯
xùn
to tame
HSK 7, unknown, 6 strokes, radical 马, rank #7902, Hard
驯
xùn
Taiwan pr. [xun2]
HSK 7, unknown, 6 strokes, radical 马, rank #7902, Hard
驯
xún
tame, obedient, docile
HSK 7, n, 6 strokes, radical 马, rank #7902, Hard
驯
xún
to attain gradually
HSK 7, unknown, 6 strokes, radical 马, rank #7902, Hard
驯
xún
to tame
HSK 7, unknown, 6 strokes, radical 马, rank #7902, Hard
驯
xún
Taiwan pr. [xun2]
HSK 7, unknown, 6 strokes, radical 马, rank #7902, Hard
xùn(xun4)
primary
T4
1tame, obedient, docile
2to attain gradually
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
驯(馴)xùn(xun4)
The character 驯 (xún) means to tame or train an animal to be obedient and docile. It can also refer to the gradual attainment of a skill or quality. Commonly used in contexts involving training pets or livestock, it emphasizes the process of developing compliance.
Strokes6Radical马Frequency#7902DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of taming is not just limited to animals but extends to the idea of self-discipline and obedience in social contexts. The historical significance of taming horses in ancient China for warfare and agriculture is also noteworthy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'tame' horse (驯) that has been trained to obey commands. The character includes the radical for 'horse' (马), which visually connects to its meaning of training animals. Picture a horse that has learned to follow instructions, making it a memorable image for the pronunciation 'xún'.
Meanings of 驯
xùn(xun4)
primary
1tame, obedient, docile
2to attain gradually
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 驯
驯Simplified
馴Traditional
6Strokes
马Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 驯
Podcast: 驯
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AI Study Notes for 驯
Quick Contrast
驯 (xùn) vs 教 (jiào) — use 驯 when focusing on taming animals, while 教 emphasizes teaching or instructing in a broader sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'tame' horse (驯) that has been trained to obey commands. The character includes the radical for 'horse' (马), which visually connects to its meaning of training animals. Picture a horse that has learned to follow instructions, making it a memorable image for the pronunciation 'xún'.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when pronouncing 'xún', as it is in the second tone, which can be mistaken for the first tone (xūn) leading to confusion. This word is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases related to animal training.
HSK Study Tips
While 驯 is not part of the HSK levels, it relates to HSK vocabulary concerning animals and training. Students should focus on recognizing the character in context and understanding its nuances in describing behavior.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of taming is not just limited to animals but extends to the idea of self-discipline and obedience in social contexts. The historical significance of taming horses in ancient China for warfare and agriculture is also noteworthy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 驯 with 训 (xùn), leading to incorrect usage in contexts of training and education. For example, saying '我想驯我的孩子' (I want to tame my child) instead of '我想教我的孩子' (I want to teach my child) demonstrates this mix-up.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 驯
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Grammar Patterns of 驯
驯 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 4
Complete the Sentence
这匹马为它的新____马师开了个好头。
The horse made a winning start for his new trainer.
Example Sentences for 驯 (7)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这匹马为它的新驯马师开了个好头。
zhè pǐ mǎ wéi tā de xīn xùn mǎ shī kāi le gè hǎo tóu。
The horse made a winning start for his new trainer.
" A two - year - old and we'll break " it on the strand.
Cultural Notes for 驯
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of taming is not just limited to animals but extends to the idea of self-discipline and obedience in social contexts. The historical significance of taming horses in ancient China for warfare and agriculture is also noteworthy.
Word Family of 驯
Words Containing This Character10
驯xùnto tame馴
驯服to tame馴服
驯鹿reindeer馴鹿
驯化to tame馴化
驯养to domesticate馴養
桀骜不驯unyielding桀驁不馴
温驯docile溫馴
驯顺tame馴順
驯良docile馴良
驯从tame馴從
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 驯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 驯
Common phrases include 驯服 (xúnfú), meaning 'to tame' or 'to domesticate', and 驯兽师 (xúnshòushī), meaning 'animal trainer'.
While it primarily refers to taming animals, it can also metaphorically apply to training people or skills.
驯 focuses on taming animals, while 训 (xùn) relates more to teaching or instructing.
