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March 24, 2026
陷阱xiànjǐng(xian4jing3)
The term 陷阱 (xiànjǐng) refers to a trap or snare designed to catch someone or something. It can be used in both a literal sense, such as a physical trap for animals, and a metaphorical sense, describing situations that can lead to difficulties or deceptive circumstances in life or decision-making.
Strokes16Frequency#3519DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, 陷阱 often symbolizes the unexpected challenges one might face in life, reflecting a common theme of caution and awareness in both personal and professional contexts. It is frequently referenced in stories that teach moral lessons about being vigilant against deception.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'sick' person (xiàn) falls into a deep 'pit' (jǐng) where they can’t escape. The sick person represents someone caught in a trap, helping you remember that 陷阱 means 'trap' or 'snare'. The character 陷 shows the act of falling in, and 阱 suggests a hidden danger.
Meanings of 陷阱
xiànjǐng(xian4jing3)
1pitfall
2snare
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 陷阱
陷阱Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3519Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 陷阱
Podcast: 陷阱
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AI Study Notes for 陷阱
Quick Contrast
圈套 (quāntào) - use 陷阱 for a more physical or literal sense, while 圈套 often implies a scheme or trick.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 陷阱 with other similar words like 陷入 (xiànrù), which means to fall into a situation. 陷阱 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about dangers or pitfalls in planning and strategy. Remember to use the correct tones: 陷 (xiàn) in the fourth tone and 阱 (jǐng) in the third tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 陷阱 connects with themes of caution and wisdom prevalent at this level. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced ideas about risks and strategies, and practice with related vocabulary like 误区 (wùqū) for 'misconception' or 'mistake'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 陷阱 with 圈套 (quāntào), which is a more specific kind of trap or scheme. For example, saying '我不想被圈套' (I don't want to be a trap) is incorrect; it should be '我不想陷入陷阱' (I don’t want to fall into a trap).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陷阱
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How Well Do You Know 陷阱?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 陷阱 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.
The term 陷阱 (xiànjǐng) refers to a trap or snare designed to catch someone or something. It can be used in both a literal sense, such as a physical trap for animals, and a metaphorical sense, describing situations that can lead to difficulties or deceptive circumstances in life or decision-making.
When to use 陷阱
Be careful not to confuse 陷阱 with other similar words like 陷入 (xiànrù), which means to fall into a situation. 陷阱 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about dangers or pitfalls in planning and strategy. Remember to use the correct tones: 陷 (xiàn) in the fourth tone and 阱 (jǐng) in the third tone.
陷阱 or something close to it
圈套 (quāntào) - use 陷阱 for a more physical or literal sense, while 圈套 often implies a scheme or trick.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 陷阱 with 圈套 (quāntào), which is a more specific kind of trap or scheme. For example, saying '我不想被圈套' (I don't want to be a trap) is incorrect; it should be '我不想陷入陷阱' (I don’t want to fall into a trap).
Write 陷阱
陷
阱
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Grammar Patterns of 陷阱
陷阱 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 3 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
专业学科充满____，专套粗心大意的人。
Specialist subjects are full of pitfalls for the unwary.
