HSK 7, q, 9 strokes, radical 目, rank #6634, Very Hard
盾
dùn
shield; Dutch guilder
HSK 7, q, 9 strokes, radical 目, rank #6634, Very Hard
盾
dùn
(currency) Vietnamese dong
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 目, rank #6634, Very Hard
盾
dùn
currency unit of several countries (Indonesian rupiah, Dutch gulden etc)
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 目, rank #6634, Very Hard
dùn(dun4) T4
1shield
2shield; Dutch guilder
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March 24, 2026
盾dùn(dun4)
The character 盾 (dùn) primarily means 'shield,' referring to a protective device used in combat. It can also denote various currency units in different countries, such as the Dutch guilder or the Vietnamese dong. In both contexts, it conveys the idea of protection or value.
Strokes9Radical目Frequency#6634DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a shield is not just physical but also metaphorical, representing protection in various aspects of life, such as family and national defense. The term is often invoked in discussions about safety and security.
Memory Tip
Imagine a round shield (盾) that not only protects you in battle but also represents money. Picture a knight holding a shield that is made of coins, symbolizing the value and security that both a shield and currency provide.
Meanings of 盾
dùn(dun4)
1shield
2shield; Dutch guilder
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 盾
盾Simplified
9Strokes
目Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#6634Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 盾
Podcast: 盾
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 盾
Quick Contrast
盾 (dùn) vs 護 (hù) — use 盾 for physical protection (like a shield), while 護 refers to protection in a broader sense, often relating to care or safeguarding.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 盾 (dùn) as mispronouncing it could change its meaning. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing military terms or financial discussions. Typical collocations include '防御盾' (defensive shield) and '货币盾' (currency unit).
HSK Study Tips
While 盾 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected to words related to defense (like 防, fáng) and finance. Students should focus on its usage in both military and financial contexts to enhance vocabulary range.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 盾 with 盾牌 (dùn pái), which specifically means 'shield' as in the battle gear. Remember that 盾 can stand alone to mean 'shield' or refer to various currencies without needing to add 牌.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 盾
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1The giveawayAn eye 目 peering from behind a shield 厂
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 盾? 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 盾?
Decomposition of 盾
IDS Structure⿸厂⿱十目
盾Full Character
=
厂chang3
enclosing
十shi2
top
目mu4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 盾?
How to say shield in Chinese
“shield” in Chinese is盾dùn
The character 盾 (dùn) primarily means 'shield,' referring to a protective device used in combat. It can also denote various currency units in different countries, such as the Dutch guilder or the Vietnamese dong. In both contexts, it conveys the idea of protection or value.
When to use 盾
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 盾 (dùn) as mispronouncing it could change its meaning. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing military terms or financial discussions. Typical collocations include '防御盾' (defensive shield) and '货币盾' (currency unit).
盾 or something close to it
盾 (dùn) vs 護 (hù) — use 盾 for physical protection (like a shield), while 護 refers to protection in a broader sense, often relating to care or safeguarding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 盾 with 盾牌 (dùn pái), which specifically means 'shield' as in the battle gear. Remember that 盾 can stand alone to mean 'shield' or refer to various currencies without needing to add 牌.
Write 盾
盾
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Practice writing 盾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 盾
盾 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 4 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.
