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March 24, 2026
捐juān(juan1)
The character 捐 (juān) primarily means 'to donate' or 'to contribute.' It is commonly used in contexts involving charitable acts, such as donating money or resources to a cause. Additionally, it can imply giving up something or renouncing a possession, adding a layer of personal sacrifice or commitment to the act of donating.
Strokes10Radical扌Frequency#3425DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 捐 is deeply valued, especially during natural disasters or community crises, where collective contributions are seen as a moral duty. Events like charity drives or fundraising campaigns often invoke this character to encourage participation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a large bag full of donations, eagerly '捐' (juān) it to a charity. The left part of the character, 扌 (hand), suggests action, while the right part, 捐, resembles a person giving away something of value. Picture them joyfully relinquishing their possessions to help others.
Meanings of 捐
juān(juan1)
1to contribute
2to donate
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 捐
捐Simplified
10Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3425Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1
Podcast: 捐
Podcast: 捐
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AI Study Notes for 捐
Quick Contrast
捐 (donate) vs 赠 (give as a gift) — use 捐 when emphasizing charity or contribution, while 赠 focuses on gifting without the implication of sacrifice.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a large bag full of donations, eagerly '捐' (juān) it to a charity. The left part of the character, 扌 (hand), suggests action, while the right part, 捐, resembles a person giving away something of value. Picture them joyfully relinquishing their possessions to help others.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the context in which you use 捐, as it often carries a positive connotation of goodwill. Common collocations include 捐款 (donate money), 捐赠 (donation), and 捐助 (to assist). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where more specific terms might be required.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 捐 connects well with themes of charity and social responsibility found in other vocabulary at this level. Focus on practicing its usage in sentences about charitable actions or contributions to deepen understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 捐 is deeply valued, especially during natural disasters or community crises, where collective contributions are seen as a moral duty. Events like charity drives or fundraising campaigns often invoke this character to encourage participation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 捐 with 给予 (jǐyǔ), which means 'to give.' An incorrect use might be saying '我捐给你' (I donate to you) when in a personal context, it is more natural to say '我给你' (I give you). Always ensure the context aligns with the act of donation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 捐
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Grammar Patterns of 捐
捐 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 6 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
请于今日将随函附上的____款表格用所提供的邮资预付的信封寄回。
Return the enclosed Donation Form today in the prepaid envelope provided.
Common Confusions with 捐
捐vs捡
jiǎn
Similar shape and sound, but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to contribute"?
or
Example Sentences for 捐 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
请于今日将随函附上的捐款表格用所提供的邮资预付的信封寄回。
qǐng yú jīn rì jiāng suí hán fù shàng de juān kuǎn biǎo gé yòng suǒ tí gōng de yóu zī yù fù de xìn fēng jì huí。
Return the enclosed Donation Form today in the prepaid envelope provided.
He urged donors to step up their efforts to send aid to Somalia.
Cultural Notes for 捐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of 捐 is deeply valued, especially during natural disasters or community crises, where collective contributions are seen as a moral duty. Events like charity drives or fundraising campaigns often invoke this character to encourage participation.
Word Family of 捐
Words Containing This Character20
捐juāntax
捐赠juānzèngto donate捐贈
捐款juānkuǎnto donate money
捐献juānxiànto donate捐獻
募捐mùjuānto solicit contributions
捐助juānzhùto donate
捐资to contribute funds捐資
捐物to contribute material
捐赠者donor捐贈者
捐躯to sacrifice one's life捐軀
捐税taxes and levies捐稅
捐血to donate blood
苛捐杂税exorbitant taxation (idiom)苛捐雜稅
捐款者donor
捐弃to relinquish捐棄
捐募to solicit contributions
乐捐to donate樂捐
抗捐to boycott a levy
捐血者blood donor
捐生to sacrifice one's life
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 捐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 捐
Common phrases include 捐款 (donate money), 捐赠 (donation), and 捐助 (to assist), which are often used in charitable contexts.
No, 捐 can refer to donating any resources, such as clothes or time, not just money.
Yes, but it is important to consider the context. It is often used in both formal and informal settings.
