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March 24, 2026
膳shàn(shan4)
膳 (shàn) refers to meals or provisions, particularly in a formal or traditional context. It is often used to describe the food served at a banquet or in a ceremonial setting, emphasizing the quality and presentation of the meal.
Strokes16Radical⺼Frequency#20898DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
膳 has historical significance in Chinese culture, particularly in the context of imperial banquets where elaborate meals were served to showcase wealth and power. It reflects the importance of food presentation and hospitality in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand banquet where the food is served on a large wooden tray (the radical '肉' for meat suggests food). The pronunciation 'shàn' sounds like 'shawn', a chef preparing a feast. Picture Chef Shawn proudly presenting a lavish meal to guests, showcasing the elegance of 膳.
Meanings of 膳
shàn(shan4)
1meals, provisions
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 膳
膳Simplified
16Strokes
⺼Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 膳
Podcast: 膳
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AI Study Notes for 膳
Quick Contrast
膳 (shàn) vs 饭 (fàn) — use 膳 for formal or ceremonial meals, while 饭 refers to everyday rice or food.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand banquet where the food is served on a large wooden tray (the radical '肉' for meat suggests food). The pronunciation 'shàn' sounds like 'shawn', a chef preparing a feast. Picture Chef Shawn proudly presenting a lavish meal to guests, showcasing the elegance of 膳.
Usage Notes
膳 is typically used in formal contexts, such as traditional banquets or official meals. Common mistakes include confusing it with simpler terms for food like '饭' (fàn), which is more casual. Be mindful of the tone; 'shàn' requires a falling tone, which is crucial for proper pronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
While 膳 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, it connects to the broader theme of food, which is prevalent in HSK levels. Students should focus on related vocabulary like '菜' (cài - dishes) or '饭' (fàn - rice/meal) to expand their culinary lexicon.
Cultural Note
膳 has historical significance in Chinese culture, particularly in the context of imperial banquets where elaborate meals were served to showcase wealth and power. It reflects the importance of food presentation and hospitality in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 膳 with simpler terms like '饭' (fàn) or '食' (shí), using them interchangeably in formal contexts. Remember, 膳 is reserved for more upscale or ceremonial meals, whereas '饭' is everyday food.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 膳
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Grammar Patterns of 膳
膳 carries one core meaning. 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 4
Complete the Sentence
一些预制____食很有营养，而且烹调起来很简单。
Some ready made meals are nutritious and very easy to prepare.
Example Sentences for 膳 (7)
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1
一些预制膳食很有营养，而且烹调起来很简单。
yī xiē yù zhì shàn shí hěn yǒu yíng yǎng， ， ér qiě pēng tiáo qǐ lái hěn jiǎn。
Some ready made meals are nutritious and very easy to prepare.
Free room and board are provided for all hotel staff.
4
您可以将自理膳食旅店升级为酒店。
nín kě yǐ jiāng zì lǐ shàn shí lǚ diàn shēng jí wéi jiǔ diàn。
You can upgrade from self-catering accommodation to a hotel.
5
他除工资外还享受膳宿待遇.
tā chú gōng zī wài huán xiǎng shòu shàn sù dài yù.
He receives wages plus room and board.
6
她把孩子们寄在邻居家膳宿.
tā bǎ hái zǐ mén jì zài lín jū jiā shàn sù.
She boarded out her children with a neighbor.
7
膳食应该适当, 即不能太油腻也不能太粗淡.
shàn shí yīng gāi shì dāng, , jí bù néng tài yóu nì yě bù néng tài cū.
The diet should be suitable, being neither too rich nor too meagre.
Cultural Notes for 膳
🏮Cultural insight
膳 has historical significance in Chinese culture, particularly in the context of imperial banquets where elaborate meals were served to showcase wealth and power. It reflects the importance of food presentation and hospitality in Chinese society.
Word Family of 膳
Words Containing This Character4
膳食shànshímeal
膳shànmeals
用膳to dine
药膳medicinal cuisine藥膳
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 膳食 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 膳
No, 膳 is more formal and typically used in specific contexts like banquets or ceremonies.
It usually refers to more elaborate meals, rather than casual or everyday food.
饭 (fàn) is a general term for meal or rice, while 膳 specifically denotes a formal or ceremonial meal.
