纹 (wén) - line & pattern

纹Tone 2

wén ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 纟

万响

纹 · wén

line;

pattern;

grain (of wood);

texture;

wrinkle;

vein

linepatterngrain (of wood)

Usage highlights

patternwrinklefingerprintgrainwater ripplestripes

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The wood has beautiful grain (木纹).
  • She has wrinkles on her face (皱纹).
  • This fabric has a striped pattern (条纹).
  • The fingerprint pattern is unique (指纹).

Collocations

  • pattern(花纹)
  • wrinkle(皱纹)
  • fingerprint(指纹)
  • grain(木纹)
  • water ripple(水纹)
  • stripes(条纹)

Idioms

  • No ripples on still water(纹丝不动)
  • Intricate and exquisite(纹丝不乱)
  • As calm as still water(纹风不动)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese art, patterns and textures (纹) are important decorative elements in ceramics, textiles, and architecture.
  • Fingerprints (指纹) have been used for identification in China since ancient times.
  • Wood grain patterns (木纹) are highly valued in traditional furniture making.

FAQ