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扂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
diàndoor latchx, 9 strokes, radical 户, Very Hard
diàn(dian4) T4
  1. 1door latch
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March 24, 2026
diàn(dian4)

The character 扂 (diàn) refers to a door latch, a mechanical device used to secure a door. This term is primarily used in contexts related to carpentry or architecture, specifically when discussing the mechanisms that keep doors closed. It underscores the importance of security in traditional and modern architecture.

Strokes9RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of security is highly valued, and traditional homes often feature intricate door latches that symbolize protection against intrusions. The design and mechanism of latches can also reflect regional styles and craftsmanship.

Memory Tip

Imagine a door that is firmly locked with a sturdy latch, ensuring safety. The character 扂 resembles a door with a secure latch mechanism above it, representing the function of keeping things closed and safe. Remember 'diàn' as 'door' with a latch that keeps it secure.

Meanings of 扂

diàn(dian4)
1door latch
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 扂

Simplified
9Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 扂

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AI Study Notes for 扂

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a door that is firmly locked with a sturdy latch, ensuring safety. The character 扂 resembles a door with a secure latch mechanism above it, representing the function of keeping things closed and safe. Remember 'diàn' as 'door' with a latch that keeps it secure.

Usage Notes

In casual conversation, the term may not be frequently used unless discussing carpentry or specific door mechanisms. Be cautious with pronunciation; the tone is crucial, as a mispronunciation could lead to confusion with similarly sounding words. Common collocations include '门扂' (door latch) or '锁扂' (lock latch).

HSK Study Tips

Although 扂 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it aligns with the study of everyday objects and home-related terminology. Learners at this level should focus on expanding their vocabulary around household items and the functions associated with them.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of security is highly valued, and traditional homes often feature intricate door latches that symbolize protection against intrusions. The design and mechanism of latches can also reflect regional styles and craftsmanship.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 扂 with 锁 due to their similar functions, mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我需要一个扂来锁门' (I need a latch to lock the door) is incorrect; it should be '我需要一个锁来锁门' using 锁.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 扂

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Etymology of 扂

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

door

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 扂?

Decomposition of 扂

IDS Structure⿸户占
Full Character
=
hu4
enclosing
zhan1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 扂?

Write 扂

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

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Cultural Notes for 扂

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of security is highly valued, and traditional homes often feature intricate door latches that symbolize protection against intrusions. The design and mechanism of latches can also reflect regional styles and craftsmanship.

Word Family of 扂

Words Containing This Character1
diàndoor latch
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 扂 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 扂

扂 (diàn) specifically refers to a latch mechanism, while 锁 (suǒ) means a lock, which is a more general term for securing doors.