'Kěn zìdiǎn' literally means 'to gnaw/chew a dictionary' — a vivid, metaphorical expression describing the diligent, sometimes laborious process of studying a dictionary intensively, often word by word, to build vocabulary or master a language. The verb 啃 (kěn) evokes effort and persistence, like an animal gnawing stubbornly at something hard; 字典 (zìdiǎn) is simply 'dictionary'. Together, the phrase conveys deep, focused, and often self-directed lexical study — not just skimming, but digesting definitions, examples, pronunciations, and usage notes.

This expression is commonly used in informal or semi-formal contexts among students, language learners, and teachers. It carries a slightly humorous or affectionate tone, acknowledging both the dedication and the tedium involved. While it can describe any dictionary study, it’s especially associated with Chinese learners tackling monolingual dictionaries (e.g., 现代汉语词典) or advanced learners using bilingual dictionaries for nuanced understanding. It implies long-term commitment rather than quick reference.