Definition
娴 is a bound morpheme (b.f.) — it cannot be used alone in modern Chinese but appears as a component in compound words describing elegance, refinement, or skill. Common compounds include 娴熟 (skillful, adept), 娴静 (gentle and refined, of a woman), and 娴雅 (elegant and poised). You'll encounter it in formal or literary contexts, not everyday conversation.
b.f.
(bound form) refinedelegant(bound form) skilledadept
Examples
- 。Tā de wǔzī shífēn xián shú.Her dance moves are very skillful.
- 娴。Nà wèi nǚshì jǔzhǐ xián yǎ.That lady has elegant manners.
- 娴，。Tā xìnggé xián jìng, bú ài shuōhuà.Her personality is gentle and quiet; she doesn't like to talk much.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.