HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Very Hard
窜
cuàn
to scuttle
HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Very Hard
窜
cuàn
to exile or banish
HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Very Hard
窜
cuàn
to amend or edit
HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Very Hard
窜
cuàn
to run away; to expel; to revise, to edit
HSK 7, zg, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #9287, Very Hard
cuàn(cuan4) T4
1to flee
2to scuttle
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
窜(竄)cuàn(cuan4)
The character 窜 (cuàn) primarily means to flee or run away, often in a hurried or chaotic manner. It can also refer to the act of being exiled or banished, as well as the process of making edits or revisions to a text or document. This word is commonly used in contexts involving escape or modification.
Strokes12Radical穴Frequency#9287DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of exile is significant, with many historical figures being banished for political reasons. The term 窜 is often associated with narratives of political struggle and the theme of escape in Chinese literature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rabbit (the radical 窗, which means window) escaping through a window to avoid danger. The sound 'cuàn' can be remembered as the frantic noise of the rabbit's feet as it scuttles away, emphasizing the hurried nature of fleeing.
Meanings of 窜
cuàn(cuan4)
1to flee
2to scuttle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 窜
窜Simplified
竄Traditional
12Strokes
穴Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#9287Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 窜
Podcast: 窜
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AI Study Notes for 窜
Quick Contrast
逃 (táo) - use 窜 when emphasizing a chaotic or hurried escape, while 逃 is more general for any escape.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 窜 with other similar-sounding verbs like 跑 (pǎo, to run) or 逃 (táo, to escape), which have slightly different nuances. This word is more formal and is often used in written contexts, especially when discussing literature or official documents. Be mindful of its tone, as it can imply urgency.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK level 6, students should focus on the various contexts in which 窜 can be used, particularly in literature or discussions about exile and modification. This word connects with other advanced verbs related to movement and change, enhancing vocabulary around these themes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 窜 with other escape-related words, leading to errors like using 窜 instead of 逃 in non-urgent contexts. Correct usage would be '他逃走了' (Tā táo zǒule) for a simple escape, rather than using 窜.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 窜
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Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 串 represents the sound. Simplified form of 竄.
1The giveawaySimplified form of 竄; a mouse 鼠 running out of its hole 穴
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 窜? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 窜?
Decomposition of 窜
IDS Structure⿱穴串
窜Full Character
=
穴xue2
top
串chuan4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 窜?
How to say to flee in Chinese
“to flee” in Chinese is窜cuàn
The character 窜 (cuàn) primarily means to flee or run away, often in a hurried or chaotic manner. It can also refer to the act of being exiled or banished, as well as the process of making edits or revisions to a text or document. This word is commonly used in contexts involving escape or modification.
When to use 窜
Common mistakes include confusing 窜 with other similar-sounding verbs like 跑 (pǎo, to run) or 逃 (táo, to escape), which have slightly different nuances. This word is more formal and is often used in written contexts, especially when discussing literature or official documents. Be mindful of its tone, as it can imply urgency.
窜 or something close to it
逃 (táo) - use 窜 when emphasizing a chaotic or hurried escape, while 逃 is more general for any escape.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 窜 with other escape-related words, leading to errors like using 窜 instead of 逃 in non-urgent contexts. Correct usage would be '他逃走了' (Tā táo zǒule) for a simple escape, rather than using 窜.
Write 窜
窜
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Practice writing 窜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 窜
窜 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
你不能这样到处乱____，擅自占用别人的地产。
You can't simply wander around squatting on other people's property.
