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塬 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
塬yuánplateaung, 13 strokes, radical 土
塬yuánplateau, esp. Loess Plateau of northwest China 黃土高原|黄土高原[Huang2 tu3 Gao1 yuan2]unknown, 13 strokes, radical 土
yuán(yuan2)yuan T2
  1. 1plateau
  2. 2plateau, esp. Loess Plateau of northwest China 黃土高原|黄土高原[Huang2 tu3 Gao1 yuan2]
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March 24, 2026

塬yuán(yuan2)

The character 塬 (yuán) refers to a plateau, specifically a flat, elevated landform. It is often used in geographical contexts, particularly when discussing regions like the Loess Plateau in northwest China, which is known for its unique topography and soil characteristics.

Strokes13Radical土
Cultural note

The Loess Plateau, referred to as 黃土高原 (Huángtǔ Gāoyuán), is significant in Chinese history as it has supported ancient civilizations and agriculture. The region's unique soil and climate have shaped cultural practices and settlement patterns.

Memory tip

Imagine a flat, elevated area where you can stand and see far and wide—this is a 'yuán' (plateau). The character 塬 has a 土 (earth) radical, signifying land, while the rest suggests an elevated shape, connecting to its meaning of a high, flat area.

Meanings of 塬

yuán(yuan2)
1plateau
2plateau, esp. Loess Plateau of northwest China 黃土高原|黄土高原[Huang2 tu3 Gao1 yuan2]
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 塬

塬Simplified
13Strokes
土Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 塬

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Podcast: 塬

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AI study notes for 塬

Usage Notes

This term is primarily used in formal contexts, such as geography and environmental discussions. Learners often confuse it with related terms like '山' (shān - mountain) or '丘' (qiū - hill). Remember that 'yuán' specifically indicates a flat elevation, unlike these other terms.

HSK Study Tips

While 塬 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to geographical terms that may appear at higher levels. Students should focus on understanding its use in context, especially when discussing topographical features in Chinese landscapes.

Common Mistakes

Learners often miswrite 塬 as 塬 (yuán) by confusing it with similar characters. Ensure you memorize the correct components: 土 (earth) at the bottom and the other strokes that define the character.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 塬

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Etymology of 塬

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

earth

Semantic (meaning)土
+
Phonetic (sound)原
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

塬 = 土 + 原. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 塬

IDS Structure⿰土原
塬Full character
=
土Tu3
left
原Yuan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 塬?

How to say plateau in Chinese

“plateau” in Chinese is塬yuán

The character 塬 (yuán) refers to a plateau, specifically a flat, elevated landform. It is often used in geographical contexts, particularly when discussing regions like the Loess Plateau in northwest China, which is known for its unique topography and soil characteristics.

When to use 塬

This term is primarily used in formal contexts, such as geography and environmental discussions. Learners often confuse it with related terms like '山' (shān - mountain) or '丘' (qiū - hill). Remember that 'yuán' specifically indicates a flat elevation, unlike these other terms.

What learners get wrong

Learners often miswrite 塬 as 塬 (yuán) by confusing it with similar characters. Ensure you memorize the correct components: 土 (earth) at the bottom and the other strokes that define the character.

Write 塬

塬

Practice writing 塬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 塬

Words containing this character1
塬yuánplateau, esp. Loess Plateau of northwest China 黃土高原|黄土高原[Huáng​tǔ​Gāo​yuán]

Frequently asked questions about 塬

It is pronounced as 'yuán' with a rising tone.

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