残 (cán) - Incomplete, deficient, damaged, cruel, savage & remnant, leftover.

残Tone 2

cán ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

残 · cán

Incomplete, deficient, damaged, cruel, savage;

remnant, leftover.

Incomplete, deficient, damaged, cruel, savageremnant, leftover.

Usage highlights

Disabled personRemaining heatCruel and ruthlessIncomplete volumeRemnant enemy forcesWithered and fallen

Synonyms

  • 缺— lack, be short of
  • 损— damage, harm
  • 毁— destroy, ruin

Antonyms

  • 全— complete, whole
  • 整— intact, entire
  • 善— good, kind

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The building was severely damaged in the earthquake (残破的建筑).
  • Only remnants of the ancient wall remain (城墙的残迹).
  • He has a physical disability (他身体有残疾).
  • The cruel ruler showed no mercy (残暴的统治者).

Collocations

  • Disabled person(残疾人)
  • Remaining heat(残热)
  • Cruel and ruthless(残忍)
  • Incomplete volume(残卷)
  • Remnant enemy forces(残敌)
  • Withered and fallen(凋残)

Idioms

  • To injure others and benefit oneself(损人利己)
  • To cripple someone for life(抱残守缺)
  • Remnant mountains and rivers(残山剩水)
  • To eliminate the wicked and preserve the good(除残去秽)
  • Wind and clouds in disarray(风卷残云)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '残' often carries negative connotations of incompleteness, damage, or cruelty.
  • The character reflects Confucian values that emphasize wholeness, harmony, and benevolence.
  • In Buddhist context, '残' may refer to the imperfection and suffering of worldly existence.
  • Historically used in contexts describing the aftermath of wars, natural disasters, or personal misfortune.

FAQ