noun / measure word HSK 4
kuǎn
sum of money · funds · section/clause · style/model · to treat cordially

Meaning

is a versatile character most commonly meaning a sum of money, funds, or a payment. It also refers to clauses or sections in documents, and can describe styles or models of products. As a verb, it means to treat someone warmly or cordially, though this usage is less common in modern speech.

Usage

In everyday conversation, frequently appears in contexts involving money (存 'deposit', 付 'payment') and product varieties (新 'new model'). In formal or legal contexts, it refers to articles or clauses in documents. The measure word usage counts types or models of items, especially in shopping contexts.

Examples

  1. 01
    这件衣服有三颜色可以选择。
    Zhè jiàn yīfu yǒu sān kuǎn yánsè kěyǐ xuǎnzé.
    This piece of clothing comes in three color styles to choose from.
  2. 02
    请在收到货后三天内付
    Qǐng zài shōu dào huò hòu sān tiān nèi kuǎn.
    Please make payment within three days after receiving the goods.

Measure words

  • 一笔款

Common collocations

  • kuǎn
    to pay, payment
  • cún kuǎn
    deposit, savings
  • dài kuǎn
    loan
  • xīn kuǎn
    new model/style

Origin

The character originally combined 欠 (lack, owe) with 士 (scholar) components, relating to sincerity and financial matters. Its meanings evolved to encompass financial transactions, document sections, and cordial treatment.

Related