Meanings of 散
By ear
Play it, then pick what 散 means.
About 散
Podcast: 散
Podcast: 散
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 散
散 (sǎn) vs 分散 (fēnsàn) — use 散 for a more general sense of scattering, while 分散 emphasizes the act of distributing or spreading out over a wider area.
Be mindful that 散 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so ensure the situation is appropriate. Common collocations include 散步 (sàn bù - to take a walk) and 散心 (sàn xīn - to relax). Pay attention to the pronunciation, as confusion with 散 (sàn) can lead to miscommunication.
While this character is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary related to movement and disposition found in HSK 3 and 4. Focus on using it in phrases to describe actions or states that involve dispersion or relaxation.
Learners often confuse 散 (sǎn) with 散 (sàn) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我们散了' (Wǒmen sǎn le - We scattered) instead of '我们散会了' (Wǒmen sàn huì le - We ended the meeting) can lead to misunderstanding.
Pronunciation of 散
Drill the tone of 散 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 散 to You
Let me explain 散 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 散 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 散?
Learning Lab
Knowing 散 is seven skills, not one.
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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 散
Depicts hitting (攵) bamboo (竹) to break it apart. The purpose of the 月 component is unclear.
A hand 攵 tossing seeds from a basket
Origin
What kind of character is 散?
Decomposition of 散
Parts
Which of these is part of 散?
How to say to scatter in Chinese
“to scatter” in Chinese is散
The character 散 (sǎn) means to scatter or disperse. It is commonly used in contexts where things are breaking up, such as a meeting ending or substances being spread out. This word can also imply a leisurely pace or the act of letting something fall apart.
When to use 散
Be mindful that 散 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so ensure the situation is appropriate. Common collocations include 散步 (sàn bù - to take a walk) and 散心 (sàn xīn - to relax). Pay attention to the pronunciation, as confusion with 散 (sàn) can lead to miscommunication.
散 or something close to it
散 (sǎn) vs 分散 (fēnsàn) — use 散 for a more general sense of scattering, while 分散 emphasizes the act of distributing or spreading out over a wider area.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 散 (sǎn) with 散 (sàn) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我们散了' (Wǒmen sǎn le - We scattered) instead of '我们散会了' (Wǒmen sàn huì le - We ended the meeting) can lead to misunderstanding.
Write 散
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 散 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 散
散 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 13 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他喜欢沿着湖____步。
He likes to walk along the lake.
Example Sentences for 散 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 散?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 散
In traditional Chinese medicine, powdered herbs are often described with the character 散, which signifies their loose and scattered nature, making them easier to mix with water or other ingredients.
Word Family of 散
Characters with 散
What does 撒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 散
散 (sàn) generally refers to something being loose or scattered, while 分散 (fēnsàn) specifically means to disperse or distribute something into parts. While both convey a sense of spreading out, 分散 emphasizes the act of dividing.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 散?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.