绵 (mián) - Soft & fine

绵Tone 2

mián ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

绵 · mián

Soft;

fine;

continuous;

cotton;

to extend;

to stretch.

Softfinecontinuous

Usage highlights

Soft and fineContinuous rangeCotton flossLong and continuousSilk and cottonGentle and soft

Synonyms

  • 软— soft
  • 柔— gentle, soft
  • 连— continuous, connected

Antonyms

  • 硬— hard
  • 断— broken, disconnected

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The fabric is soft and smooth (绵软).
  • The mountain range stretches continuously (绵延的山脉).
  • She bought a cotton quilt (棉被).
  • The conversation went on and on (绵长的谈话).

Collocations

  • Soft and fine(绵软)
  • Continuous range(绵延)
  • Cotton floss(绵絮)
  • Long and continuous(绵长)
  • Silk and cotton(丝绵)
  • Gentle and soft(绵和)

Idioms

  • Continuous and unbroken(绵延不绝)
  • A long and complicated story(绵里藏针)
  • A long-lasting friendship(情意绵绵)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Associated with silk and cotton production in ancient China, symbolizing softness and comfort.
  • Used metaphorically to describe something continuous, unbroken, or enduring, like mountains or time.
  • In poetry, it often conveys a sense of lingering emotion or gentle persistence.

FAQ