弦 (xián) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 弦 (xián) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 弦 (xián) means "String; chord.". with 8 strokes and the radical 弓.

Q: How do you write 弦 stroke by stroke?

弦 has 8 strokes. The radical is 弓. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 弦 and 弛?

弦 (xián) and 弛 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 弦?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 弓. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 弦?

Common words containing 弦 include: 琴弦 (qín xián) — Instrument string; 心弦 (xīn xián) — heartstrings; 上弦 (shàng xián) — First quarter moon; to wind up (a clock).

How to Write 弦

The character 弦 (xián) is written with 8 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 弓 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

弦 is pronounced xián in Mandarin Chinese. It means String; chord..

Common Words with 弦

琴弦 qín xián

Instrument string

心弦 xīn xián

heartstrings

上弦 shàng xián

First quarter moon; to wind up (a clock)

Example Sentences

这根琴弦断了。

zhè gēn qín xián duàn le

This string has broken.

音乐拨动了心弦。

yīn yuè bō dòng le xīn xián

Music plucked the heartstrings.

给旧手表上弦。

gěi jiù shǒu biǎo shàng xián

Wind up an old watch.

Similar Characters

弛 chí

弟 dì

张 zhāng

Practice Writing 弦 (xián)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 弦 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 弦

What does 弦 (xián) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 弦 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 弦 and 弛?

What mistakes do learners make writing 弦?

What common words use 弦?

How to Write 弦 (xián)