Meanings of 玄
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Podcast: 玄
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AI Study Notes for 玄
深 (shēn) - use 玄 (xuán) for abstract or philosophical depth, while 深 (shēn) refers to physical depth.
Learners may confuse 玄 with similar characters like 深 (shēn), which means deep but does not carry the same connotation of mystery. It is generally used in more formal contexts, particularly in literature and philosophy. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning completely.
While 玄 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enhance comprehension of related words at higher HSK levels, especially in texts discussing philosophy or abstract concepts. Focus on its usage in context, particularly with words like 玄妙 (xuánmiào) meaning 'subtle and profound.'
Learners often mix up 玄 with 玄深 (xuánshēn), mistakenly thinking both mean 'deep,' but 玄 emphasizes the mystery or profundity while 深 focuses only on physical depth. Always clarify the context to avoid confusion.
Pronunciation of 玄
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Learning Lab
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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 玄
Decomposition of 玄
Parts
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How to say deep, profound, abstruse in Chinese
“deep, profound, abstruse” in Chinese is玄
The character 玄 (xuán) conveys meanings of depth and profundity, often associated with concepts that are profound, obscure, or mysterious. It is frequently used in philosophical contexts, especially in discussions of Taoism and Chinese metaphysics, to describe concepts that are not easily understood or explainable.
When to use 玄
Learners may confuse 玄 with similar characters like 深 (shēn), which means deep but does not carry the same connotation of mystery. It is generally used in more formal contexts, particularly in literature and philosophy. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning completely.
玄 or something close to it
深 (shēn) - use 玄 (xuán) for abstract or philosophical depth, while 深 (shēn) refers to physical depth.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 玄 with 玄深 (xuánshēn), mistakenly thinking both mean 'deep,' but 玄 emphasizes the mystery or profundity while 深 focuses only on physical depth. Always clarify the context to avoid confusion.
Write 玄
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Practice writing 玄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 玄
玄 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Fill the gap
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我们一直在关注____奇事物这一神秘世界。
We have been looking at the shadowy world of the paranormal.
Example Sentences for 玄 (3)
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Word Family of 玄
Words with 玄
What does 玄机 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 玄
The correct pronunciation is 'xuán' with a rising tone, similar to how you might ask a question in English.
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