Meanings of 闪
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Podcast: 闪
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AI Study Notes for 闪
闪 (shǎn, dodge) vs 躲 (duǒ, hide) — use 闪 when emphasizing quick movement to avoid something, while 躲 focuses on seeking cover or concealment.
When using 闪 (shǎn), be careful to distinguish between its physical and metaphorical meanings. Common collocations include 闪避 (shǎnbì, to dodge) and 闪光 (shǎnguāng, flash of light). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different tones, as this can lead to misunderstandings.
Although 闪 (shǎn) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other HSK words related to movement and light. Students should focus on the usage of this word in sentences to grasp its different contexts. Practicing with verbs that describe actions and reactions will enhance understanding.
Learners often confuse 闪 (shǎn) with similar-sounding words, such as 赏 (shǎng, to appreciate). For instance, saying '我想闪这个' (Wǒ xiǎng shǎn zhège) instead of '我想赏这个' (Wǒ xiǎng shǎng zhège) can lead to confusion about whether you're talking about dodging or appreciating something.
Pronunciation of 闪
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Jason Explains 闪 to You
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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 闪
Simplified form of 閃. Depicts a person (人) standing in the middle of a doorway (門).
A man 人 just glimpsed through a door 门
Origin
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Decomposition of 闪
Parts
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How to say to dodge in Chinese
“to dodge” in Chinese is闪
The character 闪 (shǎn) primarily means 'to dodge' or 'to evade,' commonly used in contexts where someone quickly moves out of the way. It can also refer to flashes of light, like lightning or sparks, and can be used metaphorically to describe sudden realizations or thoughts that come to mind. This word is versatile and can be applied in both physical movements and emotional expressions.
When to use 闪
When using 闪 (shǎn), be careful to distinguish between its physical and metaphorical meanings. Common collocations include 闪避 (shǎnbì, to dodge) and 闪光 (shǎnguāng, flash of light). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different tones, as this can lead to misunderstandings.
闪 or something close to it
闪 (shǎn, dodge) vs 躲 (duǒ, hide) — use 闪 when emphasizing quick movement to avoid something, while 躲 focuses on seeking cover or concealment.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 闪 (shǎn) with similar-sounding words, such as 赏 (shǎng, to appreciate). For instance, saying '我想闪这个' (Wǒ xiǎng shǎn zhège) instead of '我想赏这个' (Wǒ xiǎng shǎng zhège) can lead to confusion about whether you're talking about dodging or appreciating something.
Write 闪
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Practice writing 闪 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 闪
闪 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 14 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.
他左躲右____，终于把球踢进了球门。
He dodged left and right, and finally kicked the ball into the goal.
Common Confusions with 闪
Similar shape but different meaning and usage.
Which one
Which one means “to dodge”?
Usage Notes for 闪
'闪' can mean different things based on context, such as 'to duck' or 'lightning'. Be sure to understand the context to avoid confusion.
在闪电来临时，大家都躲避。
When the lightning struck, everyone ducked.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在____电来临时，大家都躲避。
When the lightning struck, everyone ducked.
Example Sentences for 闪 (10)
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Word Family of 闪
Words with 闪
What does 闪电 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 闪
Common phrases with 闪 include '闪电' (shǎndiàn), which means 'lightning,' and '闪避' (shǎnbì), meaning 'to evade.' These phrases often relate to quick movements or reactions.
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