HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, radical 灬, rank #5473, Very Hard
熏
xūn
to fumigate
HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, radical 灬, rank #5473, Very Hard
熏
xūn
to assail the nostrils
HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, radical 灬, rank #5473, Very Hard
熏
xūn
to perfume
HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, radical 灬, rank #5473, Very Hard
熏
xūn
fragrance
HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, radical 灬, rank #5473, Very Hard
熏
xūn
warm
HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, radical 灬, rank #5473, Very Hard
熏
xūn
to educate
HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, radical 灬, rank #5473, Very Hard
熏
xūn
to smoke, to cure meat; vapor, smoke, fog
HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, radical 灬, rank #5473, Very Hard
xūn(xun1)xun T1
1to smoke
2to fumigate
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March 24, 2026
熏(薰)xūn(xun1)
The character 熏 (xūn) primarily means 'to smoke' or 'to fumigate.' It refers to the process of infusing food or space with smoke, often to enhance flavor or preserve items. Additionally, it can imply a sense of fragrance or warmth, indicating both a literal and metaphorical influence on the senses.
Strokes14Radical灬Frequency#5473DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, smoking is a traditional technique used to enhance flavors, especially in dishes like smoked duck or tea-smoked eggs, which hold cultural significance in various regional cuisines.
Memory Tip
Imagine a warm, smoky kitchen where a delicious roast is being prepared. The '火' (fire) radical depicts warmth, while the '薰' (fragrance) component suggests the delightful aroma wafting through the air, helping you remember the sound 'xūn' and the meaning of enhancing senses.
Meanings of 熏
xūn(xun1)
1to smoke
2to fumigate
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 熏 means.
About 熏
熏Simplified
薰Traditional
14Strokes
灬Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5473Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 熏
Podcast: 熏
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AI Study Notes for 熏
Quick Contrast
熏 (xūn) vs 烟熏 (yān xūn) — use 熏 for the general act of smoking, while 烟熏 specifically refers to smoking with smoke as the primary medium.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone, as a mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings. This verb is often used in culinary contexts or when discussing methods of preservation. Common collocations include '熏肉' (smoked meat) and '熏香' (fragrance).
HSK Study Tips
As this character is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, students should focus on its components and meanings in the context of culinary terms. Relate it to other HSK words about cooking or sensory experiences to build connections.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 熏 with similar-sounding words. For example, using '熏' (to smoke) in contexts where '香' (fragrance) is more appropriate. Always check the context to ensure you are conveying the correct meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 熏
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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.
The character 熏 (xūn) primarily means 'to smoke' or 'to fumigate.' It refers to the process of infusing food or space with smoke, often to enhance flavor or preserve items. Additionally, it can imply a sense of fragrance or warmth, indicating both a literal and metaphorical influence on the senses.
When to use 熏
Be careful with the tone, as a mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings. This verb is often used in culinary contexts or when discussing methods of preservation. Common collocations include '熏肉' (smoked meat) and '熏香' (fragrance).
熏 or something close to it
熏 (xūn) vs 烟熏 (yān xūn) — use 熏 for the general act of smoking, while 烟熏 specifically refers to smoking with smoke as the primary medium.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 熏 with similar-sounding words. For example, using '熏' (to smoke) in contexts where '香' (fragrance) is more appropriate. Always check the context to ensure you are conveying the correct meaning.
Write 熏
熏
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Practice writing 熏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 熏
熏 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 8 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.
用你最喜欢的香味____香你的抽屉和衣柜。
Scent your drawers and wardrobe with your favourite aromas.
Example Sentences for 熏 (10)
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1
用你最喜欢的香味熏香你的抽屉和衣柜。
yòng nǐ zuì xǐ huān de xiāng wèi xūn xiāng nǐ de chōu tì hé yī guì。
Scent your drawers and wardrobe with your favourite aromas.
