HSK 7, q, 10 strokes, radical 皿, rank #9599, Very Hard
盏
zhǎn
a small cup
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 皿, rank #9599, Very Hard
盏
zhǎn
classifier for lamps
HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 皿, rank #9599, Very Hard
zhǎn(zhan3) T3
1small cup or container
2a small cup
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March 24, 2026
盏(盞)zhǎn(zhan3)
The character 盏 (zhǎn) primarily refers to a small cup or container, often used for serving tea or other beverages. It is also a classifier for lamps, particularly those that are small or portable. In contexts like dining or discussing home decor, this term is frequently encountered.
Strokes10Radical皿Frequency#9599DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese tea culture, the act of serving tea in a 盏 is a significant ritual, symbolizing hospitality and respect. The size of the cup encourages appreciation of the tea's flavor and aroma, reflecting the value placed on tea in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny, delicate cup holding a warm drink; the cup resembles a little lantern (灯). The character 盏 combines the 'eye' radical (目) which represents looking or seeing, suggesting the act of enjoying a drink, and the 'container' element (皿) that signifies holding something precious.
Meanings of 盏
zhǎn(zhan3)
1small cup or container
2a small cup
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 盏
盏Simplified
盞Traditional
10Strokes
皿Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 盏
Podcast: 盏
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AI Study Notes for 盏
Quick Contrast
盅 (zhōng) - use 盏 for small cups or containers, especially for tea, while 盅 specifically refers to small bowls or cups for soup.
Usage Notes
While 盏 specifically refers to small cups, it is important not to confuse it with larger containers, which use different classifiers. Register-wise, it is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal conversations. Common collocations include 盏茶 (a cup of tea) and 盏灯 (a lamp). Pay attention to the third tone, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 盏 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects with related vocabulary about dining and home, such as 杯 (bēi, cup) and 灯 (dēng, lamp). Students should focus on its usage in context to solidify understanding, especially in discussions about food and home settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 盏 with 杯 (bēi), which means 'cup' but is used for larger ones. For instance, saying '我喝了一盏水' (wǒ hē le yī zhǎn shuǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我喝了一杯水' (wǒ hē le yī bēi shuǐ) meaning 'I drank a cup of water.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 盏
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1The giveawayA small 戋 dish 皿; 戋 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 盏? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 盏?
Decomposition of 盏
IDS Structure⿱戋皿
盏Full Character
=
戋jian1
top
皿min3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 盏?
How to say small cup or container in Chinese
“small cup or container” in Chinese is盏zhǎn
The character 盏 (zhǎn) primarily refers to a small cup or container, often used for serving tea or other beverages. It is also a classifier for lamps, particularly those that are small or portable. In contexts like dining or discussing home decor, this term is frequently encountered.
When to use 盏
While 盏 specifically refers to small cups, it is important not to confuse it with larger containers, which use different classifiers. Register-wise, it is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal conversations. Common collocations include 盏茶 (a cup of tea) and 盏灯 (a lamp). Pay attention to the third tone, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
盏 or something close to it
盅 (zhōng) - use 盏 for small cups or containers, especially for tea, while 盅 specifically refers to small bowls or cups for soup.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 盏 with 杯 (bēi), which means 'cup' but is used for larger ones. For instance, saying '我喝了一盏水' (wǒ hē le yī zhǎn shuǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我喝了一杯水' (wǒ hē le yī bēi shuǐ) meaning 'I drank a cup of water.'
Write 盏
盏
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Practice writing 盏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 盏
盏 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. 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.
