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March 24, 2026
典diǎn(dian3)
The character 典 (diǎn) refers to a standard or authoritative work, often in the context of literature or law. It can also imply a classical text or scripture, and in some contexts, it involves the act of being in charge or overseeing something, such as a ceremony or legal document.
Strokes8Radical八Frequency#7553DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 典 texts often serve as foundational references for philosophy, literature, and ethics, highlighting the importance of historical documentation in shaping societal norms.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scholar in ancient China holding a classic text (典) like a precious artifact, serving as the standard for future generations. The character looks like a person (亻) standing beside a 'book' (典) of rules, emphasizing the idea of authority and documentation.
Meanings of 典
diǎn(dian3)
1canon
2law
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 典
典Simplified
8Strokes
八Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#7553Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5
Podcast: 典
Podcast: 典
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AI Study Notes for 典
Quick Contrast
典 (diǎn) vs 书 (shū): Use 典 when referring to authoritative works or classical texts, while 书 denotes any book or written material.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a scholar in ancient China holding a classic text (典) like a precious artifact, serving as the standard for future generations. The character looks like a person (亻) standing beside a 'book' (典) of rules, emphasizing the idea of authority and documentation.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 典 with similar characters like 书 (shū, book) or 法 (fǎ, law), which can lead to misinterpretation. It is often used in formal contexts, so be mindful of using it appropriately in academic or legal discussions.
HSK Study Tips
Though 典 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with words related to law and literature, such as 法 (fǎ) for law and 文 (wén) for culture. Focus on understanding its use in scholarly contexts to enrich your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 典 texts often serve as foundational references for philosophy, literature, and ethics, highlighting the importance of historical documentation in shaping societal norms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 典 with related terms like 书 (shū) or 法 (fǎ), leading to incorrect phrases such as 书典 instead of 典书 (diǎn shū, classic book). Always ensure you are using the correct term based on the context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 典
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Grammar Patterns of 典
典 carries 8 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Some styles are so flattering that they instantly become classics.
Cultural Notes for 典
💡Did you know?
The character 典 is often used in the context of traditional Chinese literature and philosophy, signifying important texts that are considered authoritative and foundational in Chinese culture.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 典 texts often serve as foundational references for philosophy, literature, and ethics, highlighting the importance of historical documentation in shaping societal norms.
Word Family of 典
Compounds18
碘dian3iodine
腆tian3good, strong; prosperous; protruding
淟
琠
觍
倎
唺
婰
捵
敟
晪
椣
猠
痶
睓
覥
賟
錪
Words Containing This Character20
经典jīngdiǎnthe classics經典
典型diǎnxíngmodel
典礼diǎnlǐcelebration典禮
瑞典Sweden
典diǎncanon
古典gǔdiǎnclassical
庆典qìngdiǎncelebration慶典
字典zìdiǎndictionary
非典SARS
典范diǎnfànmodel典範
雅典Athens, capital of Greece
盛典majestic pomp
典雅refined
典当to pawn典當
法典legal code
词典cídiǎnalso written 辭典|辞典[cídiǎn]詞典
辞典cídiǎnalso written 詞典|词典[cídiǎn]辭典
宝典canonical text寶典
大典ceremony
恩典favor
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 碘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 典
While 典 (diǎn) is more frequently found in formal writing and academic discussions, it can also appear in everyday conversation when discussing literature or standards. However, it may not be as common as more casual vocabulary.
Common phrases that include 典 (diǎn) are '典籍' (diǎnjí) meaning 'classical texts' and '典礼' (diǎnlǐ) meaning 'ceremony.' These phrases showcase its usage in cultural and scholarly contexts.
典 (diǎn) primarily means 'canon' or 'law,' referring to established standards or authoritative works. It can also denote a literary quotation or allusion, and in some contexts, it refers to a ceremony. Additionally, it can mean 'to be in charge of' something.
You can use 典 (diǎn) in sentences to refer to authoritative texts or standards. For example, '这本书是法律的典范' means 'This book is a model of law.' It often appears in academic or formal contexts.
Common phrases include 经典 (jīngdiǎn, classic), which refers to something that is considered a standard or masterpiece.
In legal contexts, 典 can refer to formal documents or statutes that serve as authoritative references.
