Learn a Chinese Character - 贯

1. Character Basics

Radical: 贝/bèi (shell/money), 毌/guàn (pass through)

Stroke Count: 8

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Guàn (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: To penetrate; to pass through; to pierce; to thread; to string; to run through; to traverse; to go through; to pass through from end to end.

Extended Meaning: To be linked; to be connected; to follow in sequence; to be consistent; to continue; to last; to endure; to persist; to go on; to keep going; to continue without interruption; to last a long time; to endure hardship; to persist in one's efforts.

Additional Meanings: To贯w贯y (be accustomed to); to be used to; to be familiar with; to be well-versed in; to be proficient in; to be skilled in; to be adept at; to be good at; to be expert in; to be knowledgeable about.

4. Common Words

• 贯彻 (guàn chè) - To implement; to carry out

  Example: 我们需要贯彻落实这个政策。 (We need to implement this policy.)

• 贯穿 (guàn chuān) - To run through; to permeate

  Example: 这条铁路贯穿整个国家。 (This railway runs through the entire country.)

• 连贯 (lián guàn) - Coherent; consistent

  Example: 他的演讲很连贯。 (His speech is very coherent.)

• 习惯 (xí guàn) - Habit; custom

  Example: 养成良好的习惯很重要。 (It's important to develop good habits.)

• 一贯 (yī guàn) - Consistent; constant

  Example: 他一贯坚持原则。 (He has always stuck to his principles.)

5. Grammar & Usage

Verb Usage:

• 贯 + 于: To be present throughout; to pervade

  Example: 他的作品贯穿着人文精神。 (Humanistic spirit pervades his works.)

• 贯 + through: To pass through; to penetrate

  Example: 光线贯穿过窗户。 (Light passes through the window.)

• 贯 + 通: To link up; to connect

  Example: 铁路贯通南北。 (The railway connects north and south.)

Adjective Usage:

• 一贯: Consistent; constant

  Example: 他一贯努力学习。 (He has always studied hard.)

• 连贯: Coherent; logical

  Example: 他的思路很连贯。 (His train of thought is very coherent.)

Common structures:

• 贯彻执行: To implement and execute

  Example: 我们要认真贯彻执行上级的指示。 (We must earnestly implement and execute the instructions from higher authorities.)

• 贯穿始终: To run through from beginning to end

  Example: 这个主题贯穿始终。 (This theme runs through from beginning to end.)

• 习惯成自然: Habit becomes second nature

  Example: 习惯成自然，坚持下去就会变得容易。 (Habit becomes second nature; it will get easier if you persist.)

6. Cultural Background

The character "贯" (guàn) has deep cultural roots in Chinese history. Originally, it referred to threading coins (贝/bèi - shells, which were used as currency in ancient China) together, symbolizing continuity and connection.

In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of "贯" is often associated with the idea of consistency and persistence. For example, the Confucian virtue of "一贯之道" (yī guàn zhī dào) refers to the consistent way or principle that guides one's actions.

The character "贯" is also used in many idioms that reflect Chinese cultural values. For instance, "融会贯通" (róng huì guàn tōng) means to achieve a thorough understanding by integrating knowledge, emphasizing the importance of holistic learning in Chinese education.

Historically, "贯" was also used as a unit of currency in ancient China, further linking it to economic and social systems. This connection highlights how language and culture are intertwined in Chinese civilization.

In modern Chinese society, the character "贯" continues to be used in important contexts, such as in the phrase "贯彻落实" (guàn chè luò shí), which means to implement and carry out policies, reflecting its ongoing relevance in governance and social organization.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Component Breakdown:

The character "贯" (guàn) is composed of two parts: "贝" (bèi - shell/money) and "毌" (guàn - pass through). You can remember it as "passing through (毌) money/shells (贝)" or "threading shells (贝) together through a hole (毌)".

2. Phonetic Association:

Think of the English word "guan" (sounds like "gwan") with a falling (fourth) tone. This can help you remember the pronunciation "guàn".

3. Visual Image:

Picture a string of coins or shells being threaded together, which relates to the original meaning of "贯". You can also visualize something passing through from one end to the other, representing the extended meaning.

4. Group with Similar Characters:

Associate "贯" with other characters that contain "贝" such as "财" (cái - wealth), "货" (huò - goods), and "购" (gòu - purchase). This can help you remember that "贯" is related to money or value.

5. Practice with Common Words:

Write and say words containing "贯" such as "贯彻" (implement), "贯穿" (run through), and "习惯" (habit). Repetition with context will help solidify your memory of the character.