Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
砬 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
boulder; obeliskn, 10 strokes, radical 石, Very Hard
a huge boulderunknown, 10 strokes, radical 石, Very Hard
a towering rockunknown, 10 strokes, radical 石, Very Hard
(la2) T2
  1. 1boulder; obelisk
  2. 2a huge boulder
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(la2)

The character 砬 (lá) refers to a large, solid rock or boulder, often implying something that is monumental or imposing. It can also be used in contexts where something stands tall or is significant in size. Commonly, it may be used in geological descriptions or metaphorically to denote strength and stability.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, large boulders often symbolize stability and permanence, reflecting traditional values of strength and endurance. They can also be found in famous landscapes, showcasing the beauty of nature in Chinese art and poetry.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant rock (砬) that looks like a tall tower. The character has a stone radical (石), which gives it the meaning of rock, combined with the idea of 'standing tall' like a tower, helping you remember both its form and meaning.

Meanings of 砬

(la2)
1boulder; obelisk
2a huge boulder
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 砬

Simplified
10Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 砬

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 砬

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant rock (砬) that looks like a tall tower. The character has a stone radical (石), which gives it the meaning of rock, combined with the idea of 'standing tall' like a tower, helping you remember both its form and meaning.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 砬 with similar characters, such as 岩 (yán), which also refers to rocks but implies a different context (like rock formations). This term is quite formal and typically used in literary or scientific contexts. Pay attention to the tone; the word is pronounced with a rising tone (lá).

HSK Study Tips

While 砬 is not an HSK listed word, it connects to the HSK vocabulary related to nature and geography. Focus on associating it with words like 山 (shān - mountain) and 岩 (yán - rock) to enhance your understanding of geological terms.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, large boulders often symbolize stability and permanence, reflecting traditional values of strength and endurance. They can also be found in famous landscapes, showcasing the beauty of nature in Chinese art and poetry.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 砬 with 砰 (pēng), which refers to a sound or impact. Make sure to remember that 砬 specifically denotes a type of rock, not a sound, to avoid using it incorrectly in context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 砬

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 砬

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A large standing 立 stone 石; 立 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 砬?

Decomposition of 砬

IDS Structure⿰石立
Full Character
=
dan4
left
Li4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 砬?

Write 砬

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 砬

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, large boulders often symbolize stability and permanence, reflecting traditional values of strength and endurance. They can also be found in famous landscapes, showcasing the beauty of nature in Chinese art and poetry.

Word Family of 砬

Words Containing This Character1
a huge boulder
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 砬 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 砬

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