Meanings of 灘
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 灘
Podcast: 灘
Podcast: 灘
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 灘
滩 (tān) refers specifically to a beach or shallow area by the shore, while 灘 (tān) emphasizes rapids or sandbars in rivers, highlighting different geographical contexts.
Learners often confuse 灘 (tān) with other water-related characters like 河 (hé, river) or 湖 (hú, lake). It is typically used in more formal contexts related to geography. Be cautious with the tone; the first tone 'tān' is high and level, distinct from similar-sounding words.
While 灘 (tān) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, its components can be connected to other water-related terms. Focus on recognizing radicals and context when encountering it in reading materials about nature or geography.
Learners may mistakenly pronounce 灘 as 'tàn' (fourth tone), which changes its meaning entirely. Another common error is using it interchangeably with 河 (hé) without understanding the specific context of rapids or sandbars.
Pronunciation of 灘
Drill the tone of 灘 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 灘
Difficult 難 waters 氵 to navigate; 難 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 灘
- 1The giveawayDifficult 難 waters 氵 to navigate; 難 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 灘? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 灘?
Decomposition of 灘
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 灘?
How to say rapids; sandbar, shoal in Chinese
“rapids; sandbar, shoal” in Chinese is灘
The character 灘 (tān) refers to natural features such as rapids, sandbars, or shoals found in rivers or lakes. It is commonly used in geographical contexts and can describe specific water bodies or areas where the current is swift and shallow, posing challenges for navigation.
When to use 灘
Learners often confuse 灘 (tān) with other water-related characters like 河 (hé, river) or 湖 (hú, lake). It is typically used in more formal contexts related to geography. Be cautious with the tone; the first tone 'tān' is high and level, distinct from similar-sounding words.
灘 or something close to it
滩 (tān) refers specifically to a beach or shallow area by the shore, while 灘 (tān) emphasizes rapids or sandbars in rivers, highlighting different geographical contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners may mistakenly pronounce 灘 as 'tàn' (fourth tone), which changes its meaning entirely. Another common error is using it interchangeably with 河 (hé) without understanding the specific context of rapids or sandbars.
Write 灘
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 灘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 灘
Compound Meaning
What does 海滩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 灘
You might encounter phrases like 浪灘 (làngtān, surf beach) or 灘頭 (tāntóu, sandbank).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 灘?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.