muddy, confused

JLPT N5 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (hùn)

The character primarily means "to mix" or "to blend," often referring to physical substances like liquids or materials. For example, (water and oil mixed) illustrates this literal sense. It can also describe social situations, where means to get along or manage within a group or environment, as in 公司 (he gets along well in the company).

Additionally, can express confusion or disorder, especially in abstract contexts, such as 情况混乱 (the situation is very confused). This usage highlights emotional or mental states rather than physical mixing.

Common Collocations

  • 混合 (hùnhé): to mix, to blend — used for combining substances.
  • 混乱 (hùnluàn): confusion, chaos — describes disorder.
  • 日子 (hùn rìzi): to drift through life, to waste time — colloquial expression about living without purpose.

Notes

When using to describe social adaptation (e.g., 公司), it implies managing or getting by rather than active participation. Avoid confusing with (jiǎo), which specifically means stirring or agitating liquids.

Understanding these nuances will help learners use appropriately in both literal and figurative contexts.

Example Sentences

He mixed water and oil together, but they separated into layers.

He gets along well in the company and has good relationships.

This matter confused me a lot; I don't know what to do.