Meanings of 卷
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About 卷
Podcast: 卷
Podcast: 卷
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AI Study Notes for 卷
卷 (juǎn) vs 皱 (zhòu) — use 卷 for rolling or curling items, while 皱 refers specifically to wrinkling surfaces.
Be careful not to confuse 卷 with its similar-sounding counterpart '圈' (quān), which means 'circle.' 卷 is often used in formal contexts, especially in literature and examinations. Common collocations include '卷子' (juǎnzi - exam paper) and '卷心菜' (juǎnxīncài - cabbage) which literally translates to 'rolled heart vegetable.'
As an HSK Level 6 word, 卷 connects to other characters related to books and education. Focus on how it is used in compound words and phrases, especially in literary or academic contexts. Practice using it in sentences about reading materials or academic settings.
Learners often confuse 卷 (juǎn) with 卷曲 (juǎnqū), which means 'curly.' An incorrect usage might be saying '我买了卷子' (Wǒ mǎile juǎnzi - I bought a roll), instead of clarifying that it refers to an exam paper. The correct context would be more about the type of document.
Pronunciation of 卷
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Etymology of 卷
Pictograph of two hands rolling rice into a ball. 卩 (kneeling person) is a meaning component.
A curled up scroll 㔾
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 卷
Pictograph of two hands rolling rice into a ball. 卩 (kneeling person) is a meaning component.
- 1The giveawayA curled up scroll 㔾
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 卷? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 卷?
Decomposition of 卷
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 卷?
How to say to roll up in Chinese
“to roll up” in Chinese is卷
The character 卷 (juǎn) primarily means 'to roll up' or 'to curl.' It is commonly used to refer to rolled items like scrolls, books, and even currency. In academic contexts, it can also represent chapters or examination papers, indicating a physical or metaphorical folding of material.
When to use 卷
Be careful not to confuse 卷 with its similar-sounding counterpart '圈' (quān), which means 'circle.' 卷 is often used in formal contexts, especially in literature and examinations. Common collocations include '卷子' (juǎnzi - exam paper) and '卷心菜' (juǎnxīncài - cabbage) which literally translates to 'rolled heart vegetable.'
卷 or something close to it
卷 (juǎn) vs 皱 (zhòu) — use 卷 for rolling or curling items, while 皱 refers specifically to wrinkling surfaces.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 卷 (juǎn) with 卷曲 (juǎnqū), which means 'curly.' An incorrect usage might be saying '我买了卷子' (Wǒ mǎile juǎnzi - I bought a roll), instead of clarifying that it refers to an exam paper. The correct context would be more about the type of document.
Write 卷
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Practice writing 卷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 卷
卷 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 13 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.
Complete the Sentence
这张试____是由十道选择题和一道写作题组成的。
This exam paper is composed of ten multiple-choice questions and one writing question.
Common Confusions with 卷
Similar shape but different meaning and pronunciation.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to roll up"?
Usage Notes for 卷
Learners often confuse 卷 with 卷子 (a rolled item) and use it incorrectly as a verb in contexts where a noun is required.
我需要一本卷。
I need a roll.
Fill in the Blank
我需要一本____。
I need a roll.
Example Sentences for 卷 (10)
Word Family of 卷
Compound Meaning
What does 圈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 卷
The character 卷 (juǎn) specifically refers to rolling or items that are rolled, while other characters like 折 (zhé) refer to folding. Understanding these differences can help clarify their usage in conversation.
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