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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word '' (xiàng) refers to a narrow lane or alley, typically found in urban or residential areas. It often implies a smaller, less busy street than a main road, sometimes lined with houses or small shops.

Common Contexts

'' is frequently used to describe quiet or intimate parts of a city, such as residential lanes or alleys with local vendors. It can convey a sense of coziness or local life.

Collocations and Patterns

  • (in the lane): used to specify location inside a lane.
  • (end of the lane): indicates the far end of a lane.
  • 安静 (quiet lane): describes the atmosphere.

Usage Notes

'' is more formal or literary compared to '胡同' or '', which also mean alley or lane but are more colloquial. When using '', it often appears in written descriptions or formal speech. Avoid confusing it with '' (street), which is usually wider and busier.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse '' with ''—the latter adds the suffix '' and is more colloquial, but both mean lane or alley. '' alone is often used in written language or compound words.

Example Sentences

He lives in a quiet lane in the city.

There are many snack stalls in this lane; it is very lively.

There is an old bookstore at the end of the lane; it’s worth visiting.