to spare, to excuse from

JLPT N2 7 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of

The character (miǎn) primarily means 'to exempt' or 'to spare' someone from something, often a duty, punishment, or obligation. It is commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as legal or official documents.

Common Collocations

  • 免除责任 (miǎnchú zérèn): to exempt from responsibility
  • 处罚 (miǎn yú chǔfá): to be spared from punishment
  • (miǎnkǎo): to be exempt from an exam

Nuances

When using , the speaker implies that the subject is freed from a normally expected burden or consequence. It often carries a formal tone and is less common in casual speech.

Contrast

Unlike the verb (táo, to escape), emphasizes exemption granted by authority or circumstance rather than self-initiated avoidance.

Tips

  • is often paired with verbs like (chú, remove) or (yú, from) to specify what is being exempted.
  • It can also appear in polite expressions to ask someone to 'spare' or 'excuse' something, e.g., .
  • Avoid confusing with (miàn), which sounds similar but means 'face' or 'surface.'

Example Sentences

He was exempted from this exam due to health reasons.

Please spare me the honorifics, I didn't say anything wrong.

He was spared punishment because he is a minor.