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March 24, 2026
贊zàn(zan4)
The character 贊 (zàn) means to help or support someone, as well as to laud or praise them for their achievements. It is commonly used in contexts such as giving compliments, expressing admiration, or endorsing someone’s efforts or ideas.
Strokes19Radical貝Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, giving praise is often a way to foster relationships and build networks, especially in professional settings. The act of praising someone is considered a social lubricant that can enhance collaboration.
Memory Tip
Imagine a friend holding a sign (the character's form) that says '赞' (zàn) while cheering you on during a race. This visual of support and praise helps to remember the meaning and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 贊
zàn(zan4)
1to help, to support; to laud, to praise
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 贊
贊Simplified
19Strokes
貝Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 贊
Podcast: 贊
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AI Study Notes for 贊
Quick Contrast
赞 (zàn) vs 赞美 (zànměi) — use 贊 (zàn) for general support or approval, while 赞美 (zànměi) specifically emphasizes praise or admiration.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a friend holding a sign (the character's form) that says '赞' (zàn) while cheering you on during a race. This visual of support and praise helps to remember the meaning and the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of using 贊 in appropriate contexts, as it can be overly formal in casual conversations. Common collocations include '赞美' (zànměi, to praise) and '赞同' (zàntóng, to agree). Misusing the tone can lead to misunderstandings, so ensure the correct fourth tone is used.
HSK Study Tips
Although 贊 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to support and affirmation, such as '支持' (zhīchí, to support). Focus on recognizing it in reading materials to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, giving praise is often a way to foster relationships and build networks, especially in professional settings. The act of praising someone is considered a social lubricant that can enhance collaboration.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 贊 with '赞' (zàn), which is the simplified form used in Mainland China. Always ensure you are using the correct form based on the context and audience.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 贊
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六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Simplified form of 贊. Phonosemantic compound. 貝 represents the meaning and 兟 represents the sound. Shells (貝) were used as currency in ancient China. Used here to depict financial support.
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Cultural Notes for 贊
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, giving praise is often a way to foster relationships and build networks, especially in professional settings. The act of praising someone is considered a social lubricant that can enhance collaboration.
Word Family of 贊
Words Containing This Character20
赞zànto patronize贊
赞成zànchéngto approve贊成
赞助zànzhùto support贊助
赞同zàntóngto approve of讚同
赞美zànměito admire讚美
称赞chēngzànto praise稱讚
赞扬zànyángto praise讚揚
赞赏zànshǎngto admire讚賞
赞叹zàntànto exclaim in admiration讚嘆
赞誉to praise贊譽
赞助商sponsor贊助商
赞成票approval贊成票
赞许zànxǔto praise讚許
赞不绝口zànbùjuékǒuto praise without cease (idiom); praise sb to high heaven讚不絕口
赞比亚Zambia贊比亞
赞颂to bless讚頌
参赞attache參贊
夸赞to praise誇贊
盛赞an accolade盛讚
赞叹不已zàntànbùyǐto be full of praise (idiom)贊嘆不已
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 赞 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 贊
You can say '我赞美你的努力' (Wǒ zànměi nǐ de nǔlì), which means 'I praise your efforts.'
Yes, 贊 is often used in formal contexts, such as speeches or written endorsements.
Synonyms include '支持' (zhīchí, to support) and '赞同' (zàntóng, to agree).
