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门槛 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
门槛ménkǎndoorstepHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #17118, Very Hard
门槛ménkǎnsillHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #17118, Very Hard
门槛ménkǎnthresholdHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #17118, Very Hard
门槛ménkǎnfig. knack or trick (esp. scheme to get sth cheaper)HSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #17118, Very Hard
ménkǎn(men2kan3)men kan T2
  1. 1doorstep
  2. 2sill
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March 24, 2026

门槛(門檻)ménkǎn(men2kan3)

门槛 (ménkǎn) refers to the physical threshold or doorstep of a doorway, symbolizing the boundary between two spaces. Figuratively, it can also denote a knack or trick to achieve something, often implying a clever or resourceful way to obtain a desired outcome, particularly in a bargain or deal context.

Strokes17Frequency#17118DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of bargaining and finding a '门槛' or trick to negotiate prices is very common, especially in markets and street vendors where haggling is expected.

Memory tip

Imagine stepping over a '门' (mén) which is a door, and as you cross the '槛' (kǎn), you discover a secret trick to save money. The characters together create an image of crossing into a new opportunity or scheme, making it easier to remember their meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 门槛

ménkǎn(men2kan3)
1doorstep
2sill
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About 门槛

门槛Simplified
門檻Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 门槛

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 门槛 with similar terms like '门口' (ménkǒu), which means doorway. This word is generally used in informal contexts when discussing tricks or schemes, and it may not be appropriate in formal discussions.

HSK Study Tips

While 门槛 is not an HSK word, it can be connected to other words related to home and entrances, such as '门' (door) and '口' (mouth/opening). Focus on the figurative use in conversations about deals and bargains.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 门槛 to refer to the door itself instead of the threshold. For example, saying '我站在门槛里面' (I am standing inside the door threshold) should be corrected to '我站在门槛上' (I am standing on the threshold).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 门槛

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Component characters

门méngate
HSK 23 strokes门
View full entry
槛jiànthreshold, door frame
HSK 714 strokes木
View full entry

How to say doorstep in Chinese

“doorstep” in Chinese is门槛ménkǎn

门槛 (ménkǎn) refers to the physical threshold or doorstep of a doorway, symbolizing the boundary between two spaces. Figuratively, it can also denote a knack or trick to achieve something, often implying a clever or resourceful way to obtain a desired outcome, particularly in a bargain or deal context.

When to use 门槛

Be careful not to confuse 门槛 with similar terms like '门口' (ménkǒu), which means doorway. This word is generally used in informal contexts when discussing tricks or schemes, and it may not be appropriate in formal discussions.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 门槛 to refer to the door itself instead of the threshold. For example, saying '我站在门槛里面' (I am standing inside the door threshold) should be corrected to '我站在门槛上' (I am standing on the threshold).

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门
槛

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Frequently asked questions about 门槛

Generally, 门槛 is more suitable for informal conversations, especially when discussing tricks or schemes.

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