Chinese characters for “xian”
76 characters share this plain syllable. Compare tone marks first, then open a character for writing and usage.
Separate the sound family before memorizing characters
The same letters can represent different words when the tone changes.
First tone
xiān
first, former, previous
6 strokes · HSK 3.0 L3fresh
14 strokes · HSK 3.0 L4to stir up
11 strokes · HSK 3.0 L7-9seal
2 strokesgod
5 strokesfine, delicate
6 strokesxenon
7 strokesOrmazda, the Zoroastrian sun god
8 strokesnon-glutinous long-grain rice
9 strokesvine
10 strokesto walk about
13 strokesacylate
13 strokesshovel
13 strokessunrise
15 strokesshovel
16 strokeswild onions or leeks
17 strokesfresh
17 strokesto walk about
21 strokesfine, delicate
23 strokesfresh, delicious
33 strokesSecond tone
xián
fence, guard
7 strokes · HSK 3.0 L5to hate, to detest
13 strokes · HSK 3.0 L6all, together, united
9 strokes · HSK 3.0 L4bow string
8 strokes · HSK 3.0 L7-9saliva, spittle
7 strokesvirtuous, worthy
8 strokessaliva
9 strokeselegant, refined, skillful
10 strokesbulwarks, gunwhale
11 strokesrank, title
11 strokesepilepsy, convulsions
12 strokesfence, guard
12 strokesleisure, idle time
12 strokessilver pheasant, Lophura nycthemera
12 strokesrank, title
14 strokeselegant, refined, skillful
15 strokesvirtuous, worthy
15 strokesto reheat food
16 strokesepilepsy, convulsions
17 strokesall, together, united
20 strokesThird tone
xiǎn
narrow pass, strategic point
9 strokes · HSK 3.0 L6clear, evident
9 strokes · HSK 3.0 L6surname
8 strokeslong-snouted dog
10 strokesclam, bivalve
10 strokesbamboo brush
12 strokesbarefoot
13 strokesmotes in a sunbeam
14 strokesnarrow pass, strategic point
15 strokeslichen, moss
17 strokesfire
18 strokeslichen, moss
21 strokesclear, evident
23 strokesFourth tone
xiàn
line, thread, wire
8 strokes · HSK 3.0 L6county, district, subdivision
7 strokes · HSK 3.0 L5to offer, to present
13 strokes · HSK 3.0 L7-9boundary, limit, line
8 strokes · HSK 3.0 L6to sink, to plunge
10 strokes · HSK 3.0 L7-9gland
13 strokessteep hill
7 strokesamaranth
7 strokesto appear, to manifest
8 strokespit, hole
8 strokesconstitution, statute, law
9 strokescounty, district, subdivision
9 strokessteep hill
10 strokesamaranth
11 strokesto appear, to manifest
11 strokesfilling, stuffing
11 strokes · HSK 3.0 L7-9to envy, to covet
12 strokesto covet, to envy
13 strokesline, thread, wire
15 strokesconstitution, statute, law
16 strokescounty, district, subdivision
16 strokesfilling, stuffing
16 strokesto offer, to present
20 strokesWords using this pronunciation family
Move from isolated sounds into useful vocabulary.