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March 24, 2026
瓒(瓚)zàn(zan4)
The character 瓒 (zàn) refers to a ceremonial libation cup used in ancient Chinese rituals, particularly in the context of offerings to ancestors or deities. It symbolizes respect and reverence, often associated with ceremonial practices and traditional rites in Chinese culture.
Strokes20Radical王Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the use of 瓒 in rituals was part of Confucian practices emphasizing filial piety and respect for ancestors, reflecting the importance of family and tradition in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand ceremony where a beautifully crafted cup (the shape of 瓒) is being filled with wine to honor the ancestors. The character has a 'cup' radical (the bottom part) that visually represents a container, plus a 'great' component (the top part) suggesting something significant or important.
Meanings of 瓒
zàn(zan4)
1ceremonial libation cup
2libation cup
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 瓒
瓒Simplified
瓚Traditional
20Strokes
王Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 瓒
Podcast: 瓒
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AI Study Notes for 瓒
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand ceremony where a beautifully crafted cup (the shape of 瓒) is being filled with wine to honor the ancestors. The character has a 'cup' radical (the bottom part) that visually represents a container, plus a 'great' component (the top part) suggesting something significant or important.
Usage Notes
This term is fairly formal and is mainly used in historical or religious contexts. Learners might confuse 瓒 with other similar characters related to cups or vessels; ensure to focus on the ceremonial aspect. The tone should be pronounced correctly as it affects meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 瓒 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 5 themes around culture and tradition. Students should focus on understanding its usage in historical texts and cultural discussions.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the use of 瓒 in rituals was part of Confucian practices emphasizing filial piety and respect for ancestors, reflecting the importance of family and tradition in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 瓒 with similar characters like 杯 (bēi - cup), which is more general. Remember that 瓒 specifically refers to a ceremonial context, while 杯 can be used in everyday situations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瓒
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Cultural Notes for 瓒
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, the use of 瓒 in rituals was part of Confucian practices emphasizing filial piety and respect for ancestors, reflecting the importance of family and tradition in Chinese society.
Word Family of 瓒
Words Containing This Character1
瓒zànlibation cup瓚
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 瓒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瓒
A 瓒 is significant as it represents respect and reverence during offerings, making it a vital part of traditional ceremonies.
While 瓒 is primarily used in historical or ceremonial contexts, it may appear in discussions about cultural heritage.
Yes, other terms like 酒杯 (jiǔbēi - wine cup) may come up, but they do not carry the same ceremonial weight as 瓒.
