Chinese Character: 缓
1. Character Basics
Radical: 纟 (sī) - Silk radical (also called "thread" radical)
Stroke Count: 12 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Huǎn (Third tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Slow; gradual; to delay; to postpone; to ease; to relax
Extended Meanings:
- Not fast; moderate in speed
- To make slower; to decelerate
- To relax; to ease up
- To delay; to put off
- Gentle; mild; not harsh
Additional Notes: The character "缓" combines the radical "纟" (silk) with "爰" (old character for "pull"). Originally, it referred to loosening or untwisting silk threads, and later extended to the concept of slowing down or relaxing.
4. Common Words
- 缓慢 (huǎn màn) - Slow; gradual
Example: 他走路很慢。(Tā zǒu lù hěn huǎn màn.) - He walks very slowly.
- 缓解 (huǎn jiě) - To ease; to alleviate; to relieve
Example: 这种药可以缓解疼痛。(Zhè zhǒng yào kě yǐ huǎn jiě téng tòng.) - This medicine can relieve pain.
- 缓和 (huǎn hé) - To relax; to ease up; to moderate
Example: 气氛逐渐缓和下来。(Qì fēn zhú jiàn huǎn hé xià lái.) - The atmosphere gradually relaxed.
- 缓缓 (huǎn huǎn) - Slowly; gently
Example: 他缓缓地走进房间。(Tā huǎn huǎn de zǒu jìn fáng jiān.) - He slowly walked into the room.
- 延缓 (yán huǎn) - To postpone; to delay; to put off
Example: 他们决定延缓会议。(Tā men jué dìng yán huǎn huì yì.) - They decided to postpone the meeting.
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Adjective; Verb
Common Usage:
- As an adjective: Describes something that is slow or not fast (e.g., 缓慢, 缓缓)
- As a verb: Means to make something slower, to ease, or to delay (e.g., 缓解, 缓和, 延缓)
Common Structures:
- 缓 + 形容词 (Slow + adjective, e.g., 缓慢, 缓和)
- 缓 + 动词 (To ease + verb, e.g., 缓解, 缓和)
- 延缓 + 名词 (To postpone + noun, e.g., 延缓会议, 延缓决定)
- 缓缓地 + 动词 (Slowly + verb, e.g., 缓缓地走, 缓缓地说)
Usage Notes: "缓" is often used in contexts related to speed, relaxation, or delay. It can function as both an adjective and a verb, depending on the context.
6. Cultural Background
Value of Patience: In Chinese culture, the concept of "缓" (slowness) is often associated with patience and careful consideration, which are highly valued qualities.
Philosophy of Balance: Traditional Chinese philosophy emphasizes the balance between action and inaction, and "缓" represents the idea of taking things at an appropriate pace.
Medicine and Health: The character "缓" is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to describe healing processes that should be gradual and gentle.
Modern Life: In today's fast-paced world, the concept of "缓生活" (slow living) has become popular in China, advocating for a more balanced and mindful approach to life.
7. Example Sentence
Example 1:
请你缓一缓，不要着急。(Qǐng nǐ huǎn yī huǎn, bù yào zháo jí.)
Translation: Please slow down, don't be in a hurry.
Example 2:
这种方法可以缓解压力。(Zhè zhǒng fāng fǎ kě yǐ huǎn jiě yā lì.)
Translation: This method can relieve stress.
Example 3:
汽车缓缓地停了下来。(Qì chē huǎn huǎn de tíng le xià lái.)
Translation: The car slowly came to a stop.
8. Memory Tips
1. Component Breakdown: The character "缓" consists of the radical "纟" (silk) and the component "爰" (old character for "pull"). This combination originally referred to loosening or untwisting silk threads, which is a slow and careful process.
2. Stroke Order: Practice writing the character in the correct stroke order to help with memorization. The stroke order starts with the "纟" radical on the left, followed by the "爰" component on the right.
3. Word Association: Associate "缓" with common words like "缓慢" (slow) and "缓解" (ease) to reinforce its meaning and usage.
4. Opposite Words: Remember that "缓" is the opposite of "快" (fast), which can help you remember its meaning more easily.
5. Sentence Practice: Create your own sentences using "缓" in different contexts to become more comfortable with its various usages.