Definitions

xián variant of 嫻|娴[xián]
xián elegant; refined; to be skilled at

Etymology phono-semantic

woman

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "娴", existing in its traditional form as "嫺", combines the woman radical with an element originally related to leisure and calm, a structure that informs its core meaning of refined composure. Its etymology points to an early sense of being adept or thoroughly skilled, often in the cultivated arts traditionally associated with women, before its semantic focus narrowed more specifically toward elegance and graceful poise. This shift in emphasis from practical proficiency to a quality of serene cultivation is reflected in the character's consistent composition, where the phonetic component continues to suggest a sense of unhurried mastery, allowing the term to maintain its descriptive power regarding a tranquil and polished demeanor.

Example Sentences Hide

她的性格很静。

Tā de xìnggé hěn xiánjìng.

Her personality is very gentle and quiet.

姐姐的舞姿很熟。

Jiějie de wǔzī hěn xiánshú.

My sister's dance moves are very proficient.

熟地掌握了这项技能。

Tā xiánshú de zhǎngwò le zhè xiàng jìnéng.

He has mastered this skill proficiently.

这位女士举止雅,给人留下深刻印象。

Zhè wèi nǚshì jǔzhǐ xiányǎ, gěi rén liúxià shēnkè yìnxiàng.

This lady's demeanor is elegant and leaves a deep impression.

经过长期练习,她操作机器非常熟。

Jīngguò chángqī liànxí, tā cāozuò jīqì fēicháng xiánshú.

After long-term practice, she operates the machine very proficiently.

在嘈杂的环境中,她依然保持着静的心态。

Zài cáozá de huánjìng zhōng, tā yīrán bǎochízhe xiánjìng de xīntài.

In a noisy environment, she still maintains a calm and quiet mindset.

他的书法笔法熟,线条流畅自然。

Tā de shūfǎ bǐfǎ xiánshú, xiàntiáo liúchàng zìrán.

His calligraphy brushwork is proficient, with smooth and natural lines.

作为一名资深翻译,她能够熟地运用多种语言进行交流。

Zuòwéi yī míng zīshēn fānyì, tā nénggòu xiánshú de yùnyòng duō zhǒng yǔyán jìnxíng jiāoliú.

As a senior translator, she can proficiently use multiple languages for communication.