bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half)
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
contract
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
deed (i.e. title deeds)
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
ticket
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
voucher
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
certificate
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
券
quàn
bond, certificate, deed; ticket; contract
HSK 6, n, 8 strokes, radical 刀, rank #10777, Hard
quàn(quan4)quan T4
1bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half)
2contract
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
券quàn(quan4)
The character 券 (quàn) refers to a bond or a legal document that signifies an agreement between parties. It is commonly used to describe contracts, tickets, vouchers, and certificates, often implying a formal or legal context. This term is often encountered in legal, financial, and transactional situations where documentation is essential.
Strokes8Radical刀Frequency#10777DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, contracts and vouchers are crucial in business transactions. The use of 券 reflects the importance of formal agreements and documentation in maintaining trust and accountability in both personal and professional relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people holding a ticket (券) that is split down the middle, representing a contract. The character looks like a hand (扌) holding a document (卷), which can help you remember that it signifies something official or contractual.
Meanings of 券
quàn(quan4)
1bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half)
2contract
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 券 means.
About 券
券Simplified
8Strokes
刀Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10777Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1
Podcast: 券
Podcast: 券
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 券
Quick Contrast
票 (piào) - use 券 (quàn) for formal agreements or legal documents, while 票 (piào) specifically refers to tickets or receipts.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 券, as it has a falling tone (quàn) which is different from other similar-sounding words. It's often used in formal settings, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing specific agreements or tickets. Common collocations include '优惠券' (discount voucher) and '合同券' (contract bond).
HSK Study Tips
While 券 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 3 and 4 vocabulary related to commerce and legal terms. Students should focus on understanding its usage in contracts and financial contexts, as well as recognizing it in phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 券 (quàn) with 票 (piào), which also means 'ticket'. For example, saying '我想买一张券' (I want to buy a ticket) might be incorrect if they mean a general ticket; it would be better to use 票. Additionally, forgetting the tone can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 券
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 券 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 券 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 券?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 券 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.
券 = 刀 + 龹. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 券
IDS Structure⿱龹刀
券Full Character
=
龹quan3
top
刀Dao1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 券?
How to say bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half) in Chinese
“bond (esp. document split in two, with each party holding one half)” in Chinese is券quàn
The character 券 (quàn) refers to a bond or a legal document that signifies an agreement between parties. It is commonly used to describe contracts, tickets, vouchers, and certificates, often implying a formal or legal context. This term is often encountered in legal, financial, and transactional situations where documentation is essential.
When to use 券
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 券, as it has a falling tone (quàn) which is different from other similar-sounding words. It's often used in formal settings, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing specific agreements or tickets. Common collocations include '优惠券' (discount voucher) and '合同券' (contract bond).
券 or something close to it
票 (piào) - use 券 (quàn) for formal agreements or legal documents, while 票 (piào) specifically refers to tickets or receipts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 券 (quàn) with 票 (piào), which also means 'ticket'. For example, saying '我想买一张券' (I want to buy a ticket) might be incorrect if they mean a general ticket; it would be better to use 票. Additionally, forgetting the tone can lead to misunderstandings.
Write 券
券
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 券 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 券
券 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 7 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
In a legal context, 券 refers to a document that signifies a contract or agreement between parties, often containing terms that both parties must adhere to.
While 券 can mean 'ticket', it is more formal and typically refers to tickets that are part of a transaction or agreement, unlike simpler words like 票 (piào) which is more general.
It is pronounced as 'quàn' with a falling tone, which is important to distinguish it from similar sounds.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 券?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.
