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March 24, 2026
暖(㬉)nuǎn(nuan3)
The character 暖 (nuǎn) means 'warm' and is used to describe both temperature and a friendly, cordial atmosphere. It can refer to physical warmth, such as the warmth of sunlight or heated objects, as well as metaphorical warmth, like a warm welcome or affectionate feelings.
Strokes13Radical日Frequency#4671DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of warmth extends beyond physical heat; it also encompasses the warmth of human relationships. For example, a warm greeting or gesture is highly valued in social interactions, reflecting hospitality and care.
Memory tip
Think of the character 暖 as a warm sun (日) shining over a cozy house (火). The sun represents warmth and the fire symbolizes heat, making it easier to remember that 暖 means 'warm'. The pronunciation 'nuǎn' sounds like 'nurture,' which also conveys warmth.
Meanings of 暖
nuǎn(nuan3)
1warm, genial
2to warm
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 暖
暖Simplified
㬉Traditional
13Strokes
日Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#4671Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 暖
Podcast: 暖
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AI study notes for 暖
Quick Contrast
温 (wēn) - use 暖 (nuǎn) when describing warmth in a more emotional or atmospheric context, while 温 (wēn) is more commonly used for physical warmth or temperature.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 暖 (nuǎn) with 热 (rè), which means 'hot'; remember that 暖 implies a comfortable warmth rather than intense heat. This character is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like '暖和' (nuǎnhuo) for 'warm' and '暖心' (nuǎnxīn) for 'heartwarming'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 暖 is not an HSK level word, it connects to other HSK vocabulary related to temperature, like 热 (rè, hot) and 冷 (lěng, cold). Focus on associating 暖 with feelings and settings that convey comfort and friendliness, which are important in conversational contexts.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 暖 when talking about high temperatures; instead, use 热 (rè) for hot. For instance, saying '今天很暖' (Today is very warm) is correct, but saying '今天很暖' to describe a hot day is incorrect; you should say '今天很热'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 暖
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暖 = 日 + 爰. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 暖
IDS Structure⿰日爰
暖Full character
=
日Ri4
left
爰Yuan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 暖?
How to say warm, genial in Chinese
“warm, genial” in Chinese is暖nuǎn
The character 暖 (nuǎn) means 'warm' and is used to describe both temperature and a friendly, cordial atmosphere. It can refer to physical warmth, such as the warmth of sunlight or heated objects, as well as metaphorical warmth, like a warm welcome or affectionate feelings.
When to use 暖
Common mistakes include confusing 暖 (nuǎn) with 热 (rè), which means 'hot'; remember that 暖 implies a comfortable warmth rather than intense heat. This character is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like '暖和' (nuǎnhuo) for 'warm' and '暖心' (nuǎnxīn) for 'heartwarming'.
暖 or something close to it
温 (wēn) - use 暖 (nuǎn) when describing warmth in a more emotional or atmospheric context, while 温 (wēn) is more commonly used for physical warmth or temperature.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 暖 when talking about high temperatures; instead, use 热 (rè) for hot. For instance, saying '今天很暖' (Today is very warm) is correct, but saying '今天很暖' to describe a hot day is incorrect; you should say '今天很热'.
Write 暖
暖
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Grammar patterns of 暖
暖 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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.
In ancient times, the warm kang was a common heating method.
12
古代的暖意常通过火炉散发出来。
Gǔdài de nuǎn yì cháng tōngguò huǒlú sànfā chūlái.
In ancient times, warmth often emanated from stoves.
13
历史书上提到的暖房设计很有趣。
Lìshǐ shū shàng tí dào de nuǎn fáng shèjì hěn yǒuqù.
The design of warm houses mentioned in history books is very interesting.
14
古人用暖石来保持室内温度。
Gǔrén yòng nuǎn shí lái bǎochí shìnèi wēndù.
The ancients used warm stones to maintain indoor temperature.
15
在古老的城堡中，壁炉是主要的暖源。
Zài gǔlǎo de chéngbǎo zhōng, bìlú shì zhǔyào de nuǎn yuán.
In ancient castles, fireplaces were the main source of warmth.
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Word Family of 暖
Words containing this character20
温暖wēnnuǎnwarm溫暖
暖nuǎnwarm
暖和nuǎnhuowarm
保暖bǎonuǎnto stay warm
暖气nuǎnqìheater暖氣
取暖qǔnuǎnto warm oneself (by a fire etc)
暖暖nuǎnnuǎnNuannuan district of Keelung City 基隆市[Jīlóngshì], Taiwan
回暖huínuǎn(of the weather) to warm up again
暖流nuǎnliúwarm current
冷暖lěngnuǎnfig. well-being
暖炉nuǎnlúspace heater暖爐
暖意nuǎnyìwarmth
采暖cǎinuǎnheating採暖
暖气片nuǎnqìpiànradiator (for heating)暖氣片
暖房nuǎnfángheating
冷暖自知lěngnuǎnzìzhīto know best by personal experience
嘘寒问暖xūhánwènnuǎnto pamper噓寒問暖
暖洋洋nuǎnyángyángwarm
暖色nuǎnsèwarm color (arch.)
暖烘烘nuǎnhōnghōngcosy
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 暖
What does 温暖 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 暖
暖 (nuǎn) is classified as an HSK level 5 word. This means it is typically learned at an intermediate level of Chinese language proficiency, where learners are expected to understand more complex vocabulary and grammar.
暖 (nuǎn) has several variants, including its old variant forms. These variants are often seen in classical texts or in different contexts, but they all convey similar meanings related to warmth and geniality. Understanding these variants can enhance your reading of historical or literary Chinese.
暖 (nuǎn) means 'warm' in Chinese. It can refer to temperature, indicating something that is pleasantly warm, or it can describe a genial, friendly atmosphere. It has several variants and is associated with warmth in both literal and figurative contexts.
You can use 暖 (nuǎn) in sentences to describe warmth, such as '今天的天气很暖' (jīntiān de tiānqì hěn nuǎn), which means 'The weather is very warm today.' It can also be used to convey a warm feeling or atmosphere, like '这个地方很暖和' (zhège dìfāng hěn nuǎnhuo), meaning 'This place is very warm.'
Yes, 暖 can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is warm-hearted or friendly.
暖 is pronounced as 'nuǎn', with a falling and rising tone.
Common phrases include '天气暖和' (the weather is warm) and '暖心的故事' (a heartwarming story).
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