弦

xián

x+ián·2nd tone

bow string · string of musical instrument

Radical: 弓 Strokes: 8 HSK 7-9

Structure: Left narrow, right wideFrequency: Common

Same radical

强引张弹弱弓弟弥弛弗弘弩

Same radical

强引张弹弱弓弟弥弛弗弘弩弯弭弧

New to Chinese?Start with pinyin·See the learning path·Browse all tools

Stroke Order · 8 strokes (click to expand)

Click the button below to start stroke animation

Character Decomposition

弦=弓+玄

Etymology

bow

Meanings

bow string

string of musical instrument

watchspring

chord (segment of curve)

hypotenuse

CL:根 gēn

xián

Loading examples…

Words with 弦 229 total

tuning (stringed instrument) · (fig.) to make up one's mind定弦dìng xián bowstring弓弦gōng xián Jew's harp口弦kǒu xián (music) chord和弦hé xián pipa strings, made from sinews of large crane or swan kūn jī鹍弦kūn xián to wind up a watch, clockwork toy etc · to tighten the string of a bow, violin etc · first quarter (phase of the moon)上弦shàng xián

Idioms with 弦 46 total Chain

make a fresh start · tune the strings · change one's plan or policy, etc. · change over to new ways · start afresh改弦更张gǎi xián gēng zhāng change of string, move out of rut (idiom); dramatic change of direction · to dance to a different tune改弦易辙gǎi xián yì zhé

Want to practice speaking with a real teacher? Find a 1-on-1 Chinese tutor on italki (affiliate)