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March 24, 2026
展Zhǎn(Zhan3)
The character 展 (zhǎn) primarily means 'to spread out' or 'to exhibit.' It is commonly used in contexts such as exhibitions, presentations, or unfolding something. This character conveys the idea of opening up or extending something, either physically or metaphorically.
Strokes10Radical尸Frequency#4966DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
展 is commonly associated with the vibrant art and cultural exhibitions held in major Chinese cities, such as the Shanghai Art Fair. These events reflect the importance of visual culture in contemporary Chinese society.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant sheet being spread out to reveal a beautiful landscape. The character 展 looks like a person (the left part) opening their arms wide (the right part) to show off something amazing. Remember 'zhǎn' sounds like 'shun' in 'unfolding a journey' to help with pronunciation.
Meanings of 展
Zhǎn(Zhan3)
1to spread out
2to open up
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 展
展Simplified
10Strokes
尸Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4966Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 展
Podcast: 展
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AI study notes for 展
Quick Contrast
展示 (zhǎnshì) vs 展览 (zhǎnlǎn) — use 展 (zhǎn) for the act of spreading out or exhibiting, while 展示 (zhǎnshì) emphasizes the act of showing or presenting, and 展览 (zhǎnlǎn) refers specifically to an exhibition event.
Usage Notes
展 is often used in formal contexts, especially related to exhibitions or displays. A common mistake is to confuse it with the character 脸 (liǎn, face) when pronouncing; be mindful of the tones. It often collocates with words like 展览 (zhǎnlǎn, exhibition) or 展示 (zhǎnshì, to display).
HSK Study Tips
Although 展 is not categorized in HSK, it connects with HSK Level 3 vocabulary about daily activities and events, such as attending exhibitions or presentations. Focus on using it in context with other verbs to describe actions related to showcasing or unfolding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistake the pronunciation of 展 with other similar-sounding characters. For example, some may say 'zhàn' instead of 'zhǎn.' Always remember to use the correct third tone to avoid confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 展
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 展 (zhǎn) primarily means 'to spread out' or 'to exhibit.' It is commonly used in contexts such as exhibitions, presentations, or unfolding something. This character conveys the idea of opening up or extending something, either physically or metaphorically.
When to use 展
展 is often used in formal contexts, especially related to exhibitions or displays. A common mistake is to confuse it with the character 脸 (liǎn, face) when pronouncing; be mindful of the tones. It often collocates with words like 展览 (zhǎnlǎn, exhibition) or 展示 (zhǎnshì, to display).
展 or something close to it
展示 (zhǎnshì) vs 展览 (zhǎnlǎn) — use 展 (zhǎn) for the act of spreading out or exhibiting, while 展示 (zhǎnshì) emphasizes the act of showing or presenting, and 展览 (zhǎnlǎn) refers specifically to an exhibition event.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistake the pronunciation of 展 with other similar-sounding characters. For example, some may say 'zhàn' instead of 'zhǎn.' Always remember to use the correct third tone to avoid confusion.
Write 展
展
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Grammar patterns of 展
展 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Young players have got to be the way forward for every club.
10
海沃德艺术展是由艺术家伯纳德·吕蒂组织的。
hǎi wò dé yìshù Zhǎn shì yóu yìshù jiā bà nà dé· lǚ dì zǔzhī de。
The Hayward exhibition has been curated by the artist Bernard Luthi.
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Cultural Notes for 展
💡Did you know?
In China, exhibitions (展览) are a significant part of cultural exchange, showcasing art, technology, and history. Major cities often host international exhibitions, attracting visitors worldwide.
Word Family of 展
Compounds8
碾niǎnstone roller; to crush, to roll
辗niǎnto roll over; to turn on a side
冁chǎnsmile
搌zhǎnto dab, to sop up, to wipe away tears
囅chǎn
榐zhǎn
蹍niǎn
輾niǎnto roll over; to turn on a side
Words containing this character20
发展fāzhǎngrowth發展
展示zhǎnshìto reveal
进展jìnzhǎnto make headway進展
展现zhǎnxiànto come out展現
开展kāizhǎnto launch開展
展开zhǎnkāito unfold展開
展Zhǎnto open up
展览zhǎnlǎnto exhibit展覽
伸展shēnzhǎnstretching
扩展kuòzhǎnto extend擴展
施展shīzhǎnto use fully
拓展tuòzhǎnto expand
展出zhǎnchūto put on display
展望zhǎnwàngoutlook
发展中国家fāzhǎnzhōngguójiādeveloping country發展中國家
参展cānzhǎnto exhibit at or take part in a trade show etc參展
车展chēzhǎnmotor show車展
展览会zhǎnlǎnhuìshow展覽會
展品zhǎnpǐnexhibit
舒展shūzhǎnto roll out
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 展
What does 碾 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 展
Some common phrases that include 展 are '展览' (zhǎnlǎn), meaning 'exhibition', and '发展' (fāzhǎn), meaning 'development'. These phrases show the versatility of the character 展 in different contexts.
展 (zhǎn) is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions about art, exhibitions, and events. In formal settings, it is often associated with official exhibitions or presentations, while in informal conversations, it can describe everyday actions of opening or showing something.
展 (zhǎn) primarily means 'to exhibit' or 'to open up'. It can also refer to putting something into effect, or in some contexts, to postpone or prolong an event. This character is often used in phrases related to exhibitions or displays.
You can use 展 (zhǎn) in sentences to indicate the action of exhibiting or opening something. For example, '我们将在博物馆展出这件艺术品' means 'We will exhibit this artwork in the museum.' This character can also be used in various expressions related to display or unfolding.
Common phrases include 展览 (zhǎnlǎn, exhibition) and 展示 (zhǎnshì, to display). These are frequently used in both formal and informal contexts.
展 is pronounced 'zhǎn' with a falling-rising tone. Practice saying it with emphasis on the tone to distinguish it from similar sounds.
Yes, 展 can be used in everyday conversation when discussing plans for exhibitions or displays, but it's more formal than casual.
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