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殿 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
殿
diàn
palace hall
HSK 6, n, 13 strokes, radical 殳, rank #13825, Hard
殿
diàn
hall; palace; temple
HSK 6, n, 13 strokes, radical 殳, rank #13825, Hard
diàn(dian4)dian T4
1palace hall
2hall; palace; temple
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March 24, 2026
殿diàn(dian4)
The character 殿 (diàn) refers to a hall or palace, often associated with grand structures such as temples or royal residences. It is commonly used in contexts relating to architecture, particularly in historical or ceremonial settings. The term can convey a sense of reverence and importance, as it often denotes spaces meant for dignitaries or deities.
Strokes13Radical殳Frequency#13825DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In traditional Chinese culture, palaces and temples are central to the concept of authority and spirituality. The character 殿 often appears in historical texts and architectural discussions, reflecting the significance of these structures in Chinese history.
Memory tip
Imagine a grand palace with intricate architecture. The character 殿 resembles a roof over a large hall, symbolizing a place of honor. Picture a king (diàn sounds like 'dean', a figure of authority) presiding over his subjects in this majestic hall, helping you remember both the form and meaning.
Meanings of 殿
diàn(dian4)
1palace hall
2hall; palace; temple
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 殿
殿Simplified
13Strokes
殳Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13825Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 殿
Podcast: 殿
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AI study notes for 殿
Quick Contrast
宫 (gōng) - use 殿 (diàn) when referring specifically to a hall or palace with ceremonial significance, whereas 宫 (gōng) generally denotes a palace or residence without the same connotations of reverence.
Usage Notes
When using 殿, it’s important to note that it often carries a formal connotation, making it less common in everyday conversation. Common collocations include '皇宫殿' (imperial palace) and '寺庙殿' (temple hall). Be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Though 殿 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be beneficial for learners at a higher level focusing on historical or cultural content. Connecting this word to others related to buildings, like '房' (fáng - room) or '楼' (lóu - building), can enhance understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 殿 in casual conversation where simpler terms like '厅' (tīng - hall) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我在殿等你' (I wait for you in the hall) sounds overly formal; '我在厅等你' is more suitable.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 殿
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The character 殿 (diàn) refers to a hall or palace, often associated with grand structures such as temples or royal residences. It is commonly used in contexts relating to architecture, particularly in historical or ceremonial settings. The term can convey a sense of reverence and importance, as it often denotes spaces meant for dignitaries or deities.
When to use 殿
When using 殿, it’s important to note that it often carries a formal connotation, making it less common in everyday conversation. Common collocations include '皇宫殿' (imperial palace) and '寺庙殿' (temple hall). Be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
殿 or something close to it
宫 (gōng) - use 殿 (diàn) when referring specifically to a hall or palace with ceremonial significance, whereas 宫 (gōng) generally denotes a palace or residence without the same connotations of reverence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 殿 in casual conversation where simpler terms like '厅' (tīng - hall) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我在殿等你' (I wait for you in the hall) sounds overly formal; '我在厅等你' is more suitable.
Write 殿
殿
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Grammar patterns of 殿
殿 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 2 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这座宫____完全是各种建筑风格的大杂烩。
The palace is a complete hotch-potch of architectural styles.
You can visit the whole palace except for the private apartments.
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Word Family of 殿
Compounds4
臀túnbuttocks
癜diànerythema
壂diàn
澱diànmarsh, swamp; sediment; to precipitate
Words containing this character19
殿下diànxiàHis or Her Highness
殿diànpalace hall
宫殿gōngdiànpalace宮殿
神殿shéndiànshrine
殿堂diàntángpalace
圣殿shèngdiàntemple聖殿
大殿dàdiànmain hall of a Buddhist temple
殿后diànhòuto bring up the rear殿後
正殿zhèngdiànmain hall of a Buddhist temple
大雄宝殿dàxióngbǎodiànHall of Great Strength, main hall of a Buddhist temple containing the main image of veneration 大雄[dàxióng]大雄寶殿
太和殿tàihédiànHall of Supreme Harmony, the largest of the three halls that constitute the heart of the Outer Court of the Forbidden City 紫禁城[Zǐjìnchéng]
殿宇diànyǔ(literary) halls (of a palace or a temple)
殿试diànshìcourt examination, the top grade imperial exam殿試
偏殿piāndiànside palace hall
金銮殿jīnluándiànthrone room金鑾殿
无事不登三宝殿wúshìbùdēngsānbǎodiànhaving a hidden agenda無事不登三寶殿
殿军diànjūnrunner-up殿軍
殿卫diànwèifullback (sports)殿衛
森罗殿sēnluódiànYama's palace森羅殿
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 殿
What does 臀 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 殿
Generally, 殿 is more often used in historical or ceremonial contexts rather than in the naming of modern buildings.
It's best to reserve 殿 for formal or grand halls, as it implies a level of importance that a regular hall does not convey.
Common phrases include '王宫殿' (royal palace) and '佛殿' (Buddhist temple hall), which highlight its use in specific contexts.
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