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March 24, 2026
墩dūn(dun1)
The character 墩 (dūn) primarily refers to a stone block or mound, often used in contexts related to construction or landscaping. It can also denote a pier or gate pillar, making it relevant in discussions about architecture or maritime settings. Additionally, it serves as a classifier for clusters of plants and rounds in card games, adding to its versatility.
Strokes15Radical土Frequency#19218DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese architecture, gate pillars (墩) are often decorative and serve as symbols of protection and stability, reflecting cultural values of strength and endurance. The use of stone blocks in traditional structures is also significant in historical contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy stone block (增) holding up a pier (墩) while you play cards on it. The shape of the character resembles a solid base, symbolizing support and stability, which connects to its meanings related to blocks and mounds.
Meanings of 墩
dūn(dun1)
1stone block; heap, mound; pier
2block
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 墩
墩Simplified
15Strokes
土Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 墩
Podcast: 墩
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AI Study Notes for 墩
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy stone block (增) holding up a pier (墩) while you play cards on it. The shape of the character resembles a solid base, symbolizing support and stability, which connects to its meanings related to blocks and mounds.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation and tone, as mispronouncing dūn can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words. It's more commonly used in informal contexts, especially when describing physical structures or items in games. Common collocations include 墩子 (dūnzi - block) and 墩墩 (dūndūn - mound).
HSK Study Tips
Since 墩 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, focus on its usage in practical scenarios like construction or gaming to understand its application better. Relating it to similar characters like 块 (kuài - piece, chunk) or 堆 (duī - pile) can help reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese architecture, gate pillars (墩) are often decorative and serve as symbols of protection and stability, reflecting cultural values of strength and endurance. The use of stone blocks in traditional structures is also significant in historical contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 墩 (dūn) with similar-sounding characters like 吨 (dūn - ton) due to tone errors. Always remember that 墩 relates to physical blocks or mounds, while 吨 refers to weight.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 墩
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Grammar Patterns of 墩
墩 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
桥很高，被几个大木____托起。
The bridge was high, jacked up on wooden piers.
Example Sentences for 墩 (3)
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1
桥很高，被几个大木墩托起。
qiáo hěn gāo， ， bèi jī gè dà mù dūn tuō。
The bridge was high, jacked up on wooden piers.
2
我打出一张主牌，赢了那一墩。
wǒ dǎ chū yī zhāng zhǔ pái， ， yíng le nà yī。
I played a trump and won the trick.
3
你可以在打第三墩牌时垫掉一张黑桃.
nǐ kě yǐ zài dǎ dì sān dūn pái shí diàn diào yī zhāng hēi táo.
You can discard a spade on the third trick.
Cultural Notes for 墩
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese architecture, gate pillars (墩) are often decorative and serve as symbols of protection and stability, reflecting cultural values of strength and endurance. The use of stone blocks in traditional structures is also significant in historical contexts.
Word Family of 墩
Words Containing This Character8
墩dūnblock
桥墩bridge pier橋墩
墩布swab
门墩wooden or stone block supporting the axle of a door門墩
胖墩儿a roly-poly胖墩兒
胖墩墩short and stout
矮墩墩pudgy
菜墩子chopping board
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 墩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 墩
While both refer to blocks or pieces, 墩 specifically implies a stone block or mound, often used in construction contexts, whereas 块 is more general and can refer to any type of chunk or piece.
Typically, 墩 is used in more informal contexts. For formal writing, consider using terms like 基础 (jīchǔ - foundation) or 柱子 (zhùzi - pillar) depending on the context.
