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March 24, 2026
斩(斬)zhǎn(zhan3)
The character 斩 (zhǎn) primarily means 'to behead' or 'to chop'. It is often used in contexts related to cutting or severing, both literally and figuratively. The term can also carry connotations of capital punishment in historical or literary contexts.
Strokes8Radical车Frequency#12542DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, beheading was a common form of capital punishment, reflecting the strict legal system and societal values of the time. The character 斩 often appears in historical texts and literature depicting justice and punishment.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fierce warrior wielding a sharp sword, ready to斩 (zhǎn) down on his opponent. The left part of the character, '刀' (dāo), means 'knife', while '斬' has a similar sound to 'chop' in English, helping you remember its meaning.
Meanings of 斩
zhǎn(zhan3)
1to behead (as form of capital punishment)
2to chop
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 斩
斩Simplified
斬Traditional
8Strokes
车Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#12542Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 斩
Podcast: 斩
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AI Study Notes for 斩
Quick Contrast
斩 (zhǎn) vs 切 (qiē) — use 斩 for beheading or severe cuts, while 切 is for general cutting or slicing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fierce warrior wielding a sharp sword, ready to斩 (zhǎn) down on his opponent. The left part of the character, '刀' (dāo), means 'knife', while '斬' has a similar sound to 'chop' in English, helping you remember its meaning.
Usage Notes
When using 斩, be cautious about its formal tone, as it often pertains to severe actions like capital punishment. Common collocations include 斩首 (behead) and 斩杀 (kill). Avoid confusing it with similar verbs like 剁 (duò), which implies chopping in smaller pieces.
HSK Study Tips
As 斩 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on recognizing its radicals and related terms such as 杀 (shā, kill) and 刀 (dāo, knife). Understanding the context in which it is used will enhance retention.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, beheading was a common form of capital punishment, reflecting the strict legal system and societal values of the time. The character 斩 often appears in historical texts and literature depicting justice and punishment.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 斩 with 剁 (duò). For instance, saying '我想斩这个肉' (I want to behead this meat) is incorrect; the correct term for cutting meat is 切 (qiē).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 斩
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Grammar Patterns of 斩
斩 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 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
“你不需要那么做，”珀尔____钉截铁地说道。
"You don't need to do that," said Pearl assertively.
Example Sentences for 斩 (3)
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1
“你不需要那么做，”珀尔斩钉截铁地说道。
“ “ nǐ bù xū yào nà mó，” zuò ，” pò ěr zhǎn dīng jié tiě dì。
"You don't need to do that," said Pearl assertively.
2
查理一世被克伦威尔派斩首。
chá lǐ yī shì bèi kè lún wēi ěr pài zhǎn shǒu。
Charles I was beheaded by the Cromwellians.
3
人们发现他被斩首的尸体漂浮在一条水渠里。
rén mén fā xiàn tā bèi zhǎn shǒu de shī tǐ piāo fú zài yī tiáo shuǐ qú lǐ。
His decapitated body was found floating in a canal.
Cultural Notes for 斩
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, beheading was a common form of capital punishment, reflecting the strict legal system and societal values of the time. The character 斩 often appears in historical texts and literature depicting justice and punishment.
Word Family of 斩
Compounds7
暂zan4temporary
渐jian1to imbue
崭chan2variant of 嶄
惭can2variant of 慚
堑qian4moat, pit, trench; cavity
錾zan4chisel, engraving tool
椠qian4wooden tablet; edition
Words Containing This Character13
斩zhǎnto chop斬
斩首to behead斬首
斩断to cut off斬斷
斩草除根zhǎncǎochúgēnto eliminate completely斬草除根
斩钉截铁zhǎndīngjiétiěunhesitating斬釘截鐵
过关斩将abbr. for 過五關斬六將|过五关斩六将[guòwǔguānzhǎnliùjiàng]過關斬將
披荆斩棘to break through hardships披荊斬棘
先斩后奏first decapitate then present your trophy (idiom); act first, report later先斬後奏
腰斩to cut sth in half腰斬
过五关斩六将lit. to cross five passes and slay six generals (idiom)過五關斬六將
快刀斩乱麻cutting the Gordian knot快刀斬亂麻
白斩鸡Cantonese poached chicken, known as "white cut chicken"白斬雞
满门抄斩to execute the whole family unto the third generation滿門抄斬
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 暂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 斩
In modern contexts, 斩 can refer to severe actions such as beheading or chopping, often used in literature or martial arts.
It is not commonly used in everyday conversation due to its formal and severe implications.
You can use it in a sentence like: 他被斩首了, meaning 'He was beheaded.'
