練 (liàn) - To practice & to train

練Tone 4

liàn ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

練 · liàn

To practice;

to train;

to drill;

to exercise;

to refine;

to perfect through repetition;

also refers to white silk.

To practiceto trainto drill

Usage highlights

To practiceTo trainTo drillExercise bookTraining groundSkilled

Synonyms

  • 习— to practice; to study
  • 训— to train; to instruct
  • 熟— skilled; proficient

Antonyms

  • 生— raw; unskilled; unfamiliar

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Practice martial arts (练武).
  • Practice calligraphy (练字).
  • Physical training (体能训练).
  • White silk (白练).

Collocations

  • To practice(练习)
  • To train(训练)
  • To drill(操练)
  • Exercise book(练功簿)
  • Training ground(练兵场)
  • Skilled(熟练)

Idioms

  • Trained troops and well-prepared generals(训练有素的将士)
  • Seasoned and experienced(老练沉稳)
  • Practice makes perfect(熟能生巧)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted the process of boiling and bleaching silk to make it white and pliable.
  • The meaning extended metaphorically to the process of honing skills through repeated practice.
  • In martial and scholarly traditions, 'lian' (练) is fundamental to achieving mastery.

FAQ