unknown, 16 strokes, radical 氵, rank #97953, Very Hard
澹
tán
placid
unknown, 16 strokes, radical 氵, rank #97953, Very Hard
澹
dàn
calm, quiet, tranquil
zg, 16 strokes, radical 氵, rank #97953, Very Hard
澹
dàn
surname Tan
unknown, 16 strokes, radical 氵, rank #97953, Very Hard
澹
dàn
placid
unknown, 16 strokes, radical 氵, rank #97953, Very Hard
dàn(dan4)
primary
T4
1calm, quiet, tranquil
2placid
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
澹dàn(dan4)
The character 澹 (dàn) conveys a sense of calmness and tranquility. It is often used in literary contexts to describe serene environments or peaceful states of mind. This character can also refer to the surname Tan, adding a personal dimension to its use.
Strokes16Radical氵Frequency#97953DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry and philosophy, tranquility is often associated with nature, reflecting a deep appreciation for serene landscapes. 澹 embodies these qualities, making it a fitting term for describing the peacefulness sought in traditional Chinese thought.
Memory Tip
Imagine a calm lake (the water radical 水) that reflects a peaceful sky (the character's form). 'Dàn' sounds like 'dan', which you can remember as a 'damp' and 'tranquil' setting, where everything is quiet and still.
Meanings of 澹
dàn(dan4)
primary
1calm, quiet, tranquil
2placid
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 澹
澹Simplified
16Strokes
氵Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 澹
Podcast: 澹
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 澹
Quick Contrast
淡 (dàn) - use 澹 when describing a calm and tranquil state, while 淡 refers to a light or bland taste or color.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a calm lake (the water radical 水) that reflects a peaceful sky (the character's form). 'Dàn' sounds like 'dan', which you can remember as a 'damp' and 'tranquil' setting, where everything is quiet and still.
Usage Notes
澹 is often used in more formal or literary contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 淡 (dàn), which means 'light' or 'bland'. It frequently collocates with terms describing nature or emotions.
HSK Study Tips
Although 澹 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it shares themes with other HSK words related to calmness and nature, such as 静 (jìng, quiet) and 宁 (níng, peaceful). Students should focus on its usage in descriptive writing to enhance their vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry and philosophy, tranquility is often associated with nature, reflecting a deep appreciation for serene landscapes. 澹 embodies these qualities, making it a fitting term for describing the peacefulness sought in traditional Chinese thought.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 澹 with 淡 due to their similar pronunciations. For instance, saying '我觉得这个地方很淡' (Wǒ juédé zhège dìfāng hěn dàn) incorrectly suggests the place is bland rather than tranquil; it should be '我觉得这个地方很澹'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 澹
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Grammar Patterns of 澹
澹 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 2
Complete the Sentence
云青青兮欲雨, 水____ 澹 兮生烟.
" Clouds darken with darkness of rain, Streams pale with pallor of mist . "
Example Sentences for 澹 (1)
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1
云青青兮欲雨, 水澹 澹 兮生烟.
yún qīng qīng xī yù yǔ, , shuǐ dàn dàn.
" Clouds darken with darkness of rain, Streams pale with pallor of mist . "
Cultural Notes for 澹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese poetry and philosophy, tranquility is often associated with nature, reflecting a deep appreciation for serene landscapes. 澹 embodies these qualities, making it a fitting term for describing the peacefulness sought in traditional Chinese thought.
Word Family of 澹
Words Containing This Character2
澹dàntranquil
澹泊living a simple life
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 澹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 澹
澹 is not commonly used in daily conversation; it is more appropriate in literary or formal contexts.
Yes, 澹 can describe a person's demeanor as calm, but it's more often applied to environments or states of mind.
You might encounter phrases like '澹泊明志' (dàn bó míng zhì), which means to maintain a calm and clear purpose.
