Common Meanings
1
xián衔
A metal mouthpiece of a bridle, used to control a horse.
马儿嘴里含着衔
The horse holds the bit in its mouth.
To hold or carry in the mouth; to grasp with the beak or jaws.
燕子衔泥筑巢。
Swallows carry mud in their beaks to build nests.
To harbor (emotions like resentment, injustice, or sorrow) in one's heart; to keep deep in one's mind.
他将所有的委屈都衔在心里，不愿向任何人倾诉。
He harbored all his grievances in his heart, unwilling to confide in anyone.
To receive or hold (an order, task, or instruction); to be entrusted with.
他衔着领导的指示，开始筹备会议。
Acting on the leader's instructions, he began to prepare for the meeting.
To link; to connect; to join (often used in '衔接', meaning to seamlessly connect or interlock).
不同部门之间需要紧密衔接，才能提高工作效率。
Different departments need to be closely linked to improve work efficiency.
A title or designation indicating one's academic, military, or official rank.
他获得了教授学衔。
He obtained the academic title of professor.