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肩 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
肩
jiān
shoulder
HSK 5, n, 8 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #5671, Hard
肩
jiān
to shoulder (responsibilities etc)
HSK 5, n, 8 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #5671, Hard
肩
jiān
shoulders; to shoulder, to bear
HSK 5, n, 8 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #5671, Hard
jiān(jian1)jian T1
1shoulder
2to shoulder (responsibilities etc)
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March 24, 2026
肩jiān(jian1)
The character 肩 (jiān) primarily means 'shoulder' and can refer to the physical part of the body as well as metaphorically to taking on responsibilities. In various contexts, it is used to talk about sharing burdens or responsibilities, such as in expressions about teamwork or cooperation.
Strokes8Radical⺼Frequency#5671DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of shouldering responsibilities is significant, often reflected in familial or societal expectations. For example, the phrase '肩负责任' (jiān fù zérèn) emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's family or community.
Memory tip
Imagine a strong shoulder holding a heavy weight, representing the burdens we carry. The character 肩 has a radical that resembles a person (亻) on the left, suggesting the human aspect of shouldering duties, while the right part (肩) visually reminds you of a shoulder bearing weight.
Meanings of 肩
jiān(jian1)
1shoulder
2to shoulder (responsibilities etc)
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
Play it, then pick what 肩 means.
About 肩
肩Simplified
8Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5671Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 肩
Podcast: 肩
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AI study notes for 肩
Quick Contrast
肩膀 (jiānbǎng) vs 肩 (jiān): Use 肩 when referring to the shoulder in a more general sense, while 肩膀 emphasizes the physical structure.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with pronunciation, as mispronouncing the tone could change the meaning. In written form, 肩 is often used in contexts discussing health, fitness, and responsibilities, like in phrases such as 'shoulder the burden' (肩负). It’s typically used in both formal and informal settings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 肩 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects to themes of body parts (like 手 shǒu for 'hand') and common verbs related to responsibility. Students should focus on being able to use 肩 in phrases about work and cooperation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 肩 with other similar-sounding characters like 见 (jiàn), which means 'to see.' Ensure you're using 肩 when referring to shoulders or responsibilities, not 见.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 肩
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 肩 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.
The character 肩 (jiān) primarily means 'shoulder' and can refer to the physical part of the body as well as metaphorically to taking on responsibilities. In various contexts, it is used to talk about sharing burdens or responsibilities, such as in expressions about teamwork or cooperation.
When to use 肩
Be cautious with pronunciation, as mispronouncing the tone could change the meaning. In written form, 肩 is often used in contexts discussing health, fitness, and responsibilities, like in phrases such as 'shoulder the burden' (肩负). It’s typically used in both formal and informal settings.
肩 or something close to it
肩膀 (jiānbǎng) vs 肩 (jiān): Use 肩 when referring to the shoulder in a more general sense, while 肩膀 emphasizes the physical structure.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 肩 with other similar-sounding characters like 见 (jiàn), which means 'to see.' Ensure you're using 肩 when referring to shoulders or responsibilities, not 见.
Write 肩
肩
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Practice writing 肩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 肩
肩 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 3 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我问道：“要不我等会儿吧？”梅拉妮耸耸____说：“随你便。”
"Do you mind if I wait?" I asked. Melanie shrugged: "Please yourself."
Common confusions with 肩
肩vs艰
jiān
Same pronunciation as 肩 but different meaning.
肩vs间
jiān
Similar pronunciation but different characters and meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “shoulder”?
or
Example sentences for 肩 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我问道：“要不我等会儿吧？”梅拉妮耸耸肩说：“随你便。”
wǒ wèn dào：“ yàobù wǒ děng huì ér ba？” méi lā nī sǒng sǒng jiān shuō：“ suí nǐ biàn。”
"Do you mind if I wait?" I asked. Melanie shrugged: "Please yourself."
携手并肩xiéshǒubìngjiānhand in hand and shoulder to shoulder攜手並肩
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 肩
What does 掮 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 肩
You can say '他肩负着家庭的责任' (Tā jiān fù zhe jiātíng de zérèn), meaning 'He shoulders the responsibilities of the family.'
Yes, one common idiom is '肩并肩' (jiān bìng jiān), meaning 'shoulder to shoulder,' which describes working together.
The tone for 肩 is the first tone (high and level). It's crucial to pronounce it correctly since mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other characters.
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