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锬 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
锬tánlong spearg, 13 strokes, radical 钅
tán(tan2)tan T2
  1. 1long spear
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March 24, 2026

锬(錟)tán(tan2)

The character 锬 (tán) refers to a long spear, a traditional weapon often used in ancient Chinese warfare. It embodies the concept of a polearm and is associated with martial practices. In contemporary usage, it may appear in historical contexts or discussions about traditional Chinese weapons.

Strokes13Radical钅
Cultural note

In Chinese history, spears were vital in warfare, symbolizing strength and skill in martial arts. The character 锬 reflects this martial heritage and the importance of weaponry in Chinese culture.

Memory tip

Imagine a tall, slender spear that stands out like a tall tower (the character's vertical lines). The 'tan' sound could remind you of 'tall and narrow', aligning with the form and function of a long spear.

Meanings of 锬

tán(tan2)
1long spear
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 锬

锬Simplified
錟Traditional
13Strokes
钅Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 锬

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Podcast: 锬

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AI study notes for 锬

Usage Notes

It's important to use 锬 (tán) in a context that relates to traditional weaponry or martial arts to avoid confusion with other words. This character is rarely used in everyday conversation, so it may not be recognized by all native speakers.

HSK Study Tips

Although 锬 (tán) is not included in HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your knowledge of Chinese weaponry terms. Focus on related characters and their meanings in historical contexts to build your vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 锬 (tán) with other weapon-related terms, such as 矛 (máo). Ensure you understand the specific context of long spears versus other types of spears when using this character.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 锬

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Etymology of 锬

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

metal

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

Origin

锬 = 钅 + 炎. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 锬

IDS Structure⿰钅炎
锬Full character
=
钅jin1
left
炎yan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 锬?

How to say long spear in Chinese

“long spear” in Chinese is锬tán

The character 锬 (tán) refers to a long spear, a traditional weapon often used in ancient Chinese warfare. It embodies the concept of a polearm and is associated with martial practices. In contemporary usage, it may appear in historical contexts or discussions about traditional Chinese weapons.

When to use 锬

It's important to use 锬 (tán) in a context that relates to traditional weaponry or martial arts to avoid confusion with other words. This character is rarely used in everyday conversation, so it may not be recognized by all native speakers.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 锬 (tán) with other weapon-related terms, such as 矛 (máo). Ensure you understand the specific context of long spears versus other types of spears when using this character.

Write 锬

锬

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

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Word Family of 锬

Words containing this character1
锬tánlong spear錟

Frequently asked questions about 锬

No, 锬 is mostly used in historical texts or discussions about martial arts.

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