Meanings of 檀
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About 檀
Podcast: 檀
Podcast: 檀
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AI study notes for 檀
檀 is used both in formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing types of wood or cultural references involving sandalwood. Common collocations include '檀香' (sandalwood incense). Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a rising tone, which can be confused with other words if mispronounced.
While 檀 is not included in HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary related to nature and materials, such as 木 (wood) and 香 (fragrance). Students should focus on recognizing its components and how it relates to other characters involving wood or plants.
Learners often confuse 檀 with other wood-related characters like 树 (shù, tree) or 木 (mù, wood). A common mistake is using it in contexts where generic wood terms are more appropriate, such as saying '我喜欢檀木' (I like sandalwood) instead of simply '我喜欢木头' (I like wood).
Pronunciation of 檀
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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.
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Etymology of 檀
tree
Origin
檀 = 木 + 亶. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 檀
Parts
Which of these is part of 檀?
How to say surname Tan in Chinese
“surname Tan” in Chinese is檀
檀 (tán) primarily refers to sandalwood, a fragrant wood often used in incense and traditional Chinese medicine. It can also denote hardwood in general and is a common surname in China. The character evokes a sense of luxury and cultural significance, especially in contexts involving traditional crafts and practices.
When to use 檀
檀 is used both in formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing types of wood or cultural references involving sandalwood. Common collocations include '檀香' (sandalwood incense). Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a rising tone, which can be confused with other words if mispronounced.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 檀 with other wood-related characters like 树 (shù, tree) or 木 (mù, wood). A common mistake is using it in contexts where generic wood terms are more appropriate, such as saying '我喜欢檀木' (I like sandalwood) instead of simply '我喜欢木头' (I like wood).
Write 檀
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Practice writing 檀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 檀
檀 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Fill the gap
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他显然指的是裘里斯 、 璐西 、 约翰呢-方____和迈克尔的保镖亚伯特-奈里.
He obviously meant Jules, Lucy, Johnny Fontane and Michael's bodyguard, Albert Neri.
Example sentences for 檀 (3)
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Word Family of 檀
Words with 檀
What does 檀香山 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 檀
Sandalwood is valued for its fragrance and is often used in incense for religious and meditative practices.
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