Chinese Character: 慢
1. Character Basics
Radical: 忄 (xīn) - Heart/feeling radical
Stroke Count: 14 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Màn (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Slow; leisurely; delayed; sluggish; unhurried; not urgent
4. Common Words
- 慢慢 (màn màn) - Slowly; gradually
- 慢跑 (màn pǎo) - Slow running; jogging
- 慢走 (màn zǒu) - Walk slowly; good-bye (polite expression)
- 慢性 (màn xìng) - Chronic (of disease)
- 傲慢 (ào màn) - Arrogant; haughty
5. Grammar & Usage
"慢" is most commonly used as an adjective to describe something that is not fast. It can also be used as an adverb when combined with other verbs, as in "慢慢走" (walk slowly). Additionally, it can be used to describe someone's attitude as arrogant or indifferent.
6. Cultural Background
In traditional Chinese philosophy, especially Taoism, the concept of "慢" (slowness or calmness) is often valued. Phrases like "慢慢来" (màn màn lái) meaning "take it slow" reflect the cultural appreciation for patience and deliberation.
7. Example Sentence
中文: 请慢慢吃，不要着急。
Pinyin: Qǐng màn màn chī, bú yào zháo jí.
English: Please eat slowly, don't rush.
8. Memory Tips
The left side of "慢" is the heart radical "忄" (xīn), and the right side is "曼" (màn), which serves as a phonetic component. You can remember it as "a heart that moves slowly" to represent the meaning of slowness or leisureliness.