viscous, sticky, mucous, glutinous

JLPT N1 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (zhān) primarily describes something sticky or viscous, like glue or a sticky surface. It can also describe a person's clingy or dependent behavior in a social context.

Common Collocations

  • (sticky paper): paper that is adhesive or tacky.
  • (adhesive glue): substances used to stick things together.
  • (clingy): describing a person who is emotionally dependent or physically close to others.

Usage Notes

is often used to describe physical stickiness but extends metaphorically to social behavior. It is different from (also pronounced zhān), which is a variant form but less commonly used in simplified Chinese. When describing emotions or personality, conveys a sense of dependence or attachment, often with a slightly negative nuance.

Common Confusions

should not be confused with (zhān), which means 'to moisten' or 'to touch lightly.' Although they sound the same, their meanings and usage contexts differ significantly.

Example Sentences

This paper is a bit sticky, it's hard to pick up.

Glue can make two objects stick together.

He is very clingy and always likes to stay close to others.