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March 24, 2026
宽(寬)kuān(kuan1)
The character 宽 (kuān) primarily means 'wide' or 'broad,' and can refer to physical dimensions, such as the width of an object, or metaphorically, such as a lenient attitude. It is often used in contexts that describe spaciousness or generosity in terms of feelings and attitudes.
Strokes10Radical宀Frequency#4760DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 宽容 (kuānróng, lenient) is highly valued, especially in interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. It reflects a societal emphasis on harmony and understanding.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wide, open space (宽) that feels spacious and liberating. The character's components suggest openness: the top part (宀) represents a roof, hinting at shelter and comfort, while the bottom part (宽) resembles a wide expanse below it. Picture a large, inviting room under a roof that makes you feel relaxed.
Meanings of 宽
kuān(kuan1)
1lenient
2wide
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 宽
宽Simplified
寬Traditional
10Strokes
宀Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#4760Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 宽
Podcast: 宽
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AI Study Notes for 宽
Quick Contrast
宽 (kuān) vs 广 (guǎng) — use 宽 for physical width or metaphorical leniency, while 广 refers to breadth in terms of extent or range.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 宽 (kuān) with 窄 (zhǎi), which means 'narrow.' 宽 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, so it is versatile. Common collocations include 宽敞 (kuānchǎng, spacious) and 宽容 (kuānróng, lenient).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 宽 connects with other vocabulary related to space and dimensions, such as 大 (dà, big) and 小 (xiǎo, small). Students should focus on using 宽 in both physical descriptions and abstract concepts, such as in attitudes or policies.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 宽 with its antonym 窄, leading to sentences like '这个房间很宽' (This room is narrow) instead of '这个房间很窄.' Always double-check the context to ensure correct usage.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 宽
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How Well Do You Know 宽?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 宽 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
宽 = 宀 + 苋. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 宽
IDS Structure⿱宀苋
宽Full Character
=
宀gai4
top
苋xian4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 宽?
How to say lenient in Chinese
“lenient” in Chinese is宽kuān
The character 宽 (kuān) primarily means 'wide' or 'broad,' and can refer to physical dimensions, such as the width of an object, or metaphorically, such as a lenient attitude. It is often used in contexts that describe spaciousness or generosity in terms of feelings and attitudes.
When to use 宽
Be careful not to confuse 宽 (kuān) with 窄 (zhǎi), which means 'narrow.' 宽 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, so it is versatile. Common collocations include 宽敞 (kuānchǎng, spacious) and 宽容 (kuānróng, lenient).
宽 or something close to it
宽 (kuān) vs 广 (guǎng) — use 宽 for physical width or metaphorical leniency, while 广 refers to breadth in terms of extent or range.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 宽 with its antonym 窄, leading to sentences like '这个房间很宽' (This room is narrow) instead of '这个房间很窄.' Always double-check the context to ensure correct usage.
Write 宽
宽
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Practice writing 宽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 宽
宽 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 5 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.
