Meaning
宽 describes physical width or breadth, such as a wide road or spacious room. It can also describe abstract qualities like being lenient, tolerant, or generous in attitude. This character is the opposite of narrow in both physical and metaphorical senses.
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 宽 to describe physical dimensions (roads, rooms, clothing) and also to describe someone's tolerant or forgiving nature. It frequently appears in compounds like 宽容 (tolerant) and 宽敞 (spacious). When describing measurements, it's often paired with specific units.
Examples
- 01这条马路很宽，可以并排停六辆车。, .This road is very wide; six cars can park side by side.
- 02老师对学生很宽容，从不严厉批评他们。, .The teacher is very lenient with students and never criticizes them harshly.
Common collocations
- 宽容tolerant, lenient
- 宽敞spacious
- 放宽to relax (restrictions), to broaden
- 宽心to feel relieved, to set one's mind at ease
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 寬 contains 宀 (roof) on top and 萈 below, suggesting the idea of spaciousness under a roof or within a dwelling. The simplified form 宽 reduces the complexity while maintaining the core meaning.