錬 (liàn) - To refine, smelt, or temper metals & to forge through repeated processing

錬Tone 4

liàn ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

錬 · liàn

To refine, smelt, or temper metals;

to forge through repeated processing;

to train rigorously.

To refine, smelt, or temper metalsto forge through repeated processingto train rigorously.

Usage highlights

Refining steelTempering a swordPhysical trainingSpiritual cultivationRefining goldTraining troops

Synonyms

  • 煉— to refine, smelt (variant form)
  • 鍛— to forge, temper
  • 冶— to smelt, metallurgy

Antonyms

  • 腐— to decay, rot
  • 銹— to rust, corrode

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Refining steel(錬鋼)
  • Tempering a sword(錬刀)
  • Training the body(錬体)
  • Spiritual cultivation(錬心)

Collocations

  • Refining steel(錬鋼)
  • Tempering a sword(錬刀)
  • Physical training(錬体)
  • Spiritual cultivation(錬心)
  • Refining gold(錬金)
  • Training troops(錬兵)

Idioms

  • Tempered through repeated trials(百錬成鋼)
  • Refined and purified(千錬百錬)
  • Forged in fire(火中錬金)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally associated with metallurgy and alchemy in ancient China.
  • Extended meaning includes rigorous training and spiritual cultivation.
  • Used in both practical metalworking contexts and metaphorical self-improvement.

FAQ