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March 24, 2026
殫dān(dan1)
The character 殫 (dān) refers to the concept of being utmost or entirely used up. It is often used in contexts where something is completely exhausted or consumed, emphasizing totality or completeness in a situation.
Strokes16Radical歹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of fully utilizing resources resonates with values of efficiency and conservation, often reflected in classical literature and teachings about resource management.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'dawn' (sounds like dān) that is bringing light to the last remnants of a shadowy cave. The light fully illuminates every corner, symbolizing how 殫 represents everything being used up or fully revealed.
Meanings of 殫
dān(dan1)
1utmost, entirely, quite; to use up
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 殫
殫Simplified
16Strokes
歹Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 殫
Podcast: 殫
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AI Study Notes for 殫
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant 'dawn' (sounds like dān) that is bringing light to the last remnants of a shadowy cave. The light fully illuminates every corner, symbolizing how 殫 represents everything being used up or fully revealed.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 殫 with similar characters that express partiality or lesser degrees. It is typically used in formal contexts, and common collocations include phrases related to exhaustion or depletion, such as 'energy' or 'resources'.
HSK Study Tips
Though 殫 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be beneficial for learners at the advanced level to recognize it alongside similar characters. Focus on understanding its usage in literary texts or formal discussions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of fully utilizing resources resonates with values of efficiency and conservation, often reflected in classical literature and teachings about resource management.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 殫 with the similar-sounding character '单' (dān), which means 'single' or 'simple'. Remember that 殫 emphasizes totality, while 单 focuses on singularity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 殫
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Cultural Notes for 殫
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of fully utilizing resources resonates with values of efficiency and conservation, often reflected in classical literature and teachings about resource management.
Word Family of 殫
Words Containing This Character5
殚精竭虑to rack one's brains殫精竭慮
殚dānentirely殫
殚心to devote one's entire mind殫心
殚竭to use up殫竭
殚力to strive殫力
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 殚精竭虑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 殫
Synonyms include 彻底 (chèdǐ), meaning 'thoroughly' or 'completely', and 用尽 (yòng jìn), meaning 'used up'.
While it is more common in formal writing or literature, you might encounter it in discussions about resources or efforts.
Think of the 'dawn' illuminating everything around, as the character represents totality.
