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谭 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
谭tánsurnamezg, 14 strokes, radical 讠, rank #9108, Very Hard
谭tánsurname Tanunknown, 14 strokes, radical 讠, rank #9108, Very Hard
tán(Tan2)tan T2
  1. 1surname
Also a Chinese surname, Tán — see the Surname Dictionary
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

谭(譚)tán(Tan2)

谭 (tán) is primarily used as a surname in Chinese, commonly transliterated as 'Tan' in English. It can also appear in personal names or place names. It is essential to recognize that '谭' is not commonly used in everyday conversation apart from its context as a surname.

Strokes14Radical讠Frequency#9108DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The surname 谭 is associated with notable historical figures in Chinese culture, including politicians and scholars, which reflects the importance of family names in social identity.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'tan' (谭) dog barking melodiously. The radical 言 (yán) on the left suggests speech or words, hinting that this name could be associated with someone known for their eloquence. Visualize a conversation with a tan dog to remember the pronunciation.

Meanings of 谭

tán(Tan2)
1surname
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 谭 means.

About 谭

谭Simplified
譚Traditional
14Strokes
讠Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 谭

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Podcast: 谭

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AI Study Notes for 谭

Usage Notes

When using this character, be mindful that it is not a standalone word in daily conversation but rather a proper noun. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding surnames like '陈' (Chén). Ensure you use the correct tone: 'tán' has a rising tone.

HSK Study Tips

Although '谭' is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners to recognize surnames. Focus on understanding how surnames like '谭' interact with other characters in names or phrases, enhancing your ability to identify people in social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the pronunciation of 谭 with other similar surnames, leading to miscommunication. For example, saying 'Tian' instead of 'Tan' can change the meaning entirely. Always remember the correct tone: 'tán'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 谭

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Etymology of 谭

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

speech

Semantic (meaning)讠
+
Phonetic (sound)覃
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

谭 = 讠 + 覃. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 谭

IDS Structure⿰讠覃
谭Full Character
=
讠yan2
left
覃Qin2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 谭?

How to say surname in Chinese

“surname” in Chinese is谭tán

谭 (tán) is primarily used as a surname in Chinese, commonly transliterated as 'Tan' in English. It can also appear in personal names or place names. It is essential to recognize that '谭' is not commonly used in everyday conversation apart from its context as a surname.

When to use 谭

When using this character, be mindful that it is not a standalone word in daily conversation but rather a proper noun. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding surnames like '陈' (Chén). Ensure you use the correct tone: 'tán' has a rising tone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse the pronunciation of 谭 with other similar surnames, leading to miscommunication. For example, saying 'Tian' instead of 'Tan' can change the meaning entirely. Always remember the correct tone: 'tán'.

Write 谭

谭

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

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Grammar Patterns of 谭

谭 carries 2 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 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

对于无家可归的人而言,私人医疗纯粹是天方夜____。

For the homeless, private medical care is simply out of the question.

Example Sentences for 谭 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
对于无家可归的人而言,私人医疗纯粹是天方夜谭。

duì yú wú jiā kě guī de rén ér yán, , sī rén yī liáo chún cuì shì tiān fāng yè。

For the homeless, private medical care is simply out of the question.

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Word Family of 谭

Words Containing This Character8
谭tánsurname Tan譚
天方夜谭The Arabian Nights (classic story)天方夜譚
谭咏麟Alan Tam (1950-), Hong Kong Canto-pop singer and actor譚詠麟
谭盾Tan Dun (1957-) Chinese composer譚盾
谭嗣同Tan Sitong (1865-1898), Qing writer and politician, one of the Six Gentlemen Martyrs 戊戌六君子 of the unsuccessful reform movement of 1898譚嗣同
谭震林Tan Zhenlin (1902-1983), PRC revolutionary and military leader, played political role after the Cultural Revolution譚震林
谭鑫培Tan Xinpei (1847-1917), noted opera actor譚鑫培
谭富英Tan Fuying (1906-1977), Beijing opera star, one of the Four great beards 四大鬚生|四大须生譚富英
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 谭

What does 天方夜谭 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 谭

Yes, 谭 is a recognized surname in China, though it may not be among the most common.

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