练 (liàn) - to practice & to train

练Tone 4

liàn ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 纟

俊梁

练 · liàn

to practice;

to train;

to drill;

to exercise;

to perfect (a skill);

white silk;

experienced;

skilled

to practiceto trainto drill

Usage highlights

to practiceto trainto practice martial artsto practice calligraphytraining groundexperienced

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 荒废— to neglect, abandon (practice)
  • 生疏— unpracticed, rusty

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I practice calligraphy every day (练书法).
  • She is training at the gym (练健身).
  • He is practicing martial arts (练武术).
  • We need to practice more (多练习).

Collocations

  • to practice(练习)
  • to train(训练)
  • to practice martial arts(练武)
  • to practice calligraphy(练字)
  • training ground(练场)
  • experienced(老练)

Idioms

  • Practice makes perfect(熟能生巧)
  • Trained and experienced(训练有素)
  • Seasoned and sophisticated(老练沉稳)
  • Hard training produces fine troops(精兵强将)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'to boil and bleach silk' - the process of preparing raw silk into white, smooth fabric.
  • Extended meaning of 'training' comes from the idea of refining and perfecting through repeated practice, similar to processing silk.
  • In martial arts and education contexts, represents the Confucian ideal of continuous self-improvement through diligent practice.

FAQ