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珊 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
珊
shān
coral
n, 9 strokes, radical 王, rank #10180, Very Hard
shān(shan1)shan T1
1coral
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March 24, 2026
珊shān(shan1)
The character 珊 (shān) refers to 'coral,' specifically the precious marine organism that is often used in jewelry and decorative items. It is commonly associated with beauty and elegance in Chinese culture, and can also symbolize longevity and prosperity.
Strokes9Radical王Frequency#10180DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
Coral is highly valued in Chinese culture, often used in traditional jewelry and art, symbolizing wealth and status. In ancient times, it was believed to have protective qualities and was used in various rituals.
Memory tip
Imagine a beautiful coral reef where colorful corals (珊) sway gently with the ocean currents. The character is composed of the radical '王' (king), suggesting the preciousness of coral, and '山' (mountain), evoking the idea of coral formations resembling underwater mountains.
Meanings of 珊
shān(shan1)
1coral
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 珊 means.
About 珊
珊Simplified
9Strokes
王Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 珊
Podcast: 珊
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AI study notes for 珊
Usage Notes
珊 is typically used in more formal contexts, such as in literature or when discussing jewelry. Be cautious with its pronunciation, as mispronouncing the tone can lead to confusion with other characters. Common collocations include 珊瑚 (shānhú), meaning 'coral reef.'
HSK Study Tips
珊 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, but it can be connected to other marine-related terms. Focus on understanding its usage in contexts related to nature and jewelry, which may help expand vocabulary related to these themes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 珊 with other similar characters like 珍 (zhēn, meaning 'precious'). For example, saying 珍作为珊 (zhēn zuòwéi shān) instead of using 珊 directly can lead to misunderstanding, as 珍 specifically refers to 'precious things' without the marine context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 珊
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 珊 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
珊 = 王 + 册. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 珊
IDS Structure⿰王册
珊Full character
=
王Wang2
left
册ce4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 珊?
How to say coral in Chinese
“coral” in Chinese is珊shān
The character 珊 (shān) refers to 'coral,' specifically the precious marine organism that is often used in jewelry and decorative items. It is commonly associated with beauty and elegance in Chinese culture, and can also symbolize longevity and prosperity.
When to use 珊
珊 is typically used in more formal contexts, such as in literature or when discussing jewelry. Be cautious with its pronunciation, as mispronouncing the tone can lead to confusion with other characters. Common collocations include 珊瑚 (shānhú), meaning 'coral reef.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 珊 with other similar characters like 珍 (zhēn, meaning 'precious'). For example, saying 珍作为珊 (zhēn zuòwéi shān) instead of using 珊 directly can lead to misunderstanding, as 珍 specifically refers to 'precious things' without the marine context.
Write 珊
珊
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Practice writing 珊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 珊
珊 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
苏____是个非常聪明、有主见的女子。
Susan'sa very bright and intelligent woman who knows her own mind.
