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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Jason Explains 卷 to You
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Learning Lab
Knowing 卷 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.
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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
Origin
What kind of character is 卷?
Decomposition of 卷
Parts
Which of these is part 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
Which one
Which one 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.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我需要一本____。
I need a roll.
Example Sentences for 卷 (10)
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Word Family of 卷
Characters with 卷
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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