Definition
含 (hán) means 'to contain' broadly — both physically (e.g., keep in the mouth) and abstractly (e.g., contain meaning). 包含 (bāo hán) emphasizes inclusion as part of a whole set; 含有 (hán yǒu) stresses having a specific ingredient or component. 含 is more general and can be used where the others feel too specific.
verb
to keep in the mouthto contain
Easily confused
- 念niànlook-aliketo read aloud; to recite
- 喊hǎnsound-aliketo shout; to yell; to call out (to someone)
- 贪tānlook-alike(verb) to covet, to be greedy for (e.g., money, pleasure)
- 汗hànsound-alikesweat, perspiration
- 琴qínlook-alikeguqin (ancient Chinese zither)
- 函hánsound-alikeenvelope
Examples
- 含。Tā zuǐ li hán zhe yí kuài táng.He is keeping a piece of candy in his mouth.
- 含。Zhèxiē shuǐguǒ hán hěn duō wéishēngsù.These fruits contain a lot of vitamins.
- ？Nǐ zhè jù huà hán yǒu shénme yìsi?What meaning does this sentence contain?
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