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March 24, 2026
弦xián(xian2)
The character 弦 (xián) primarily refers to a string, as found in musical instruments or the bow of a bow and arrow. It is commonly used in contexts discussing music, archery, and geometry, particularly in reference to the hypotenuse in mathematics.
Strokes8Radical弓Frequency#8339DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese traditional music, string instruments like the erhu and guzheng play a vital role, making the term 弦 particularly significant in cultural discussions about music and performance. Understanding this word enhances appreciation for these art forms.
Memory Tip
Imagine a violin string that vibrates to create music. The shape of the character 弦 resembles a string being pulled tight (the two horizontal lines) and the action of playing it (the vertical strokes). Think of 'xián' as the 'sound' of a string being played.
Meanings of 弦
xián(xian2)
1bow string
2string of musical instrument
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 弦
弦Simplified
8Strokes
弓Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8339Frequency Rank
根Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 弦
Podcast: 弦
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AI Study Notes for 弦
Quick Contrast
弦 (xián, string) vs 线 (xiàn, line) — use 弦 when specifically referring to strings in music or archery, while 线 refers to lines in a more general geometric sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a violin string that vibrates to create music. The shape of the character 弦 resembles a string being pulled tight (the two horizontal lines) and the action of playing it (the vertical strokes). Think of 'xián' as the 'sound' of a string being played.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 'xián' as it is the second tone. It is often used in formal contexts, especially in music and mathematics, so avoid casual language when using it. Collocations include '弦乐器' (string instruments) and '弦线' (string lines).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 弦 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to music and geometry. Students should focus on its usage in both technical contexts and daily conversation about music, further expanding their vocabulary with related terms like '乐器' (musical instrument).
Cultural Note
In Chinese traditional music, string instruments like the erhu and guzheng play a vital role, making the term 弦 particularly significant in cultural discussions about music and performance. Understanding this word enhances appreciation for these art forms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 弦 with similar-sounding words like 线 (xiàn), which means 'line'. An incorrect usage would be saying '我喜欢弦' (wǒ xǐhuān xián) when referring to a line in a drawing; the correct term would be '线'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弦
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Grammar Patterns of 弦
弦 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 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
这支管____乐队呈现了精彩的演奏，堪称其多年来的巅峰演奏。
The orchestra contrived to produce some of its best playing for years.
Example Sentences for 弦 (10)
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1
这支管弦乐队呈现了精彩的演奏，堪称其多年来的巅峰演奏。
zhè zhī guǎn xián lè duì chéng xiàn le jīng cǎi de yǎn zòu， ， kān chēng qí duō nián lái de diān fēng yǎn。
The orchestra contrived to produce some of its best playing for years.
2
那个管弦乐团现在更有纪律性了，却丧失了灵魂。
nà gè guǎn xián lè tuán xiàn zài gēng yǒu jì lǜ xìng le， ， què sāng shī le líng。
The orchestra has more discipline now, but at the expense of spirit.
3
一只上了弦的钟在厨房的案子上嘀嗒响个不停。
yī zhī shàng le xián de zhōng zài chú fáng de àn zǐ shàng dí tà xiǎng gè bù tíng。
A wind-up clock ticked busily from the kitchen counter.
4
那部电影原来是部扣人心弦的惊悚片。
nà bù diàn yǐng yuán lái shì bù kòu rén xīn xián de jīng sǒng piàn。
The film turned out to be a gripping thriller.
5
下弦能够产生雄壮浑厚的音响效果。
xià xián néng gòu chǎn shēng xióng zhuàng hún hòu de yīn xiǎng xiào guǒ。
The lower strings contribute a splendid richness of sonority.
6
这支小交响乐队与一群六弦提琴师同台献艺。
zhè zhī xiǎo jiāo xiǎng lè duì yǔ yī qún liù xián tí qín shī tóng tái xiàn yì。
The Sinfonietta shares the stage with a consort of viols.
7
她新出的书读起来扣人心弦。
tā xīn chū de shū dú qǐ lái kòu rén xīn xián。
Her latest book makes compelling reading.
8
在同一场音乐会上还演奏了马勒自己改编的别出心裁的管弦乐曲。
zài tóng yī cháng yīn lè huì shàng huán yǎn zòu le mǎ lè zì jǐ gǎi biān de bié chū xīn cái de guǎn xián lè qū。
Mahler's own imaginative orchestration was heard in the same concert.
9
箭离弦飞去,射中了那靶心.
jiàn lí xián fēi qù, , shè zhōng le nà bǎ.
The arrow flew off and hit the bull's eye.
10
如果你再拉紧小提琴的那根弦,它就会绷断.
rú guǒ nǐ zài lā jǐn xiǎo tí qín de nà gēn xián, , tā jiù huì bēng.
If you increase the tension of that violin string it will break.
Cultural Notes for 弦
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese traditional music, string instruments like the erhu and guzheng play a vital role, making the term 弦 particularly significant in cultural discussions about music and performance. Understanding this word enhances appreciation for these art forms.
Word Family of 弦
Compounds4
娹
婱
惤
誸
Words Containing This Character20
弦xiánbow string
和弦chord (music)
心弦heartstrings
管弦乐orchestral music管弦樂
弦乐string music弦樂
扣人心弦kòurénxīnxiánto excite
管弦乐队orchestra管弦樂隊
琴弦string (of a stringed instrument)
正弦(math.) sine
弓弦bowstring
上弦to wind
三弦sanxian, large family of 3-stringed plucked musical instruments, with snakeskin covered wooden soundbox and long neck, used in folk music, opera and Chinese orchestra
弦外之音overtone (music)
余弦(math.) cosine餘弦
正弦波sine wave
改弦易辙to dance to a different tune改弦易轍
断弦widowed斷弦
弦歌to sing to a string accompaniment
下弦third quarter or waning moon
续弦second wife續弦
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 弦 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 弦
弦 (xián) specifically refers to strings of musical instruments or bows, while 绳 (shéng) means rope or cord.
Yes, 弦 can also refer to the hypotenuse of a triangle in geometry, expanding its use beyond music.
It is pronounced with the second tone: 'xián', with a rising intonation.
