Meanings of 石
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About 石
Podcast: 石
Podcast: 石
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AI Study Notes for 石
Imagine a giant stone (石) blocking a path, representing strength and durability. The pronunciation 'dàn' sounds like 'dan' in 'darn it!', which could help you remember that stones are often obstacles in our way.
Be mindful that 石 (dàn) is often confused with other similar-sounding words. It is generally used in more formal or traditional contexts, especially when discussing measurements or historical topics. Common collocations include '石头' (shítou) for 'stone' and '干石' (gānshí) for 'dry stone'.
Although 石 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects with other HSK words related to nature and materials, like 土 (tǔ - earth) and 木 (mù - wood). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in various contexts, especially in traditional settings.
In Chinese culture, stones are often associated with stability and strength, reflecting the philosophical idea of resilience. Additionally, stones have historical significance in Chinese poetry and art, symbolizing permanence and endurance.
Learners often confuse 石 (dàn) with 土 (tǔ), which means 'earth' or 'soil'. A common mistake would be using 石 to describe soil, as in '石的土' (shí de tǔ), which should be '土' instead.
Pronunciation of 石
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Etymology of 石
Pictograph of a stone chime.
A rock 口 at the base of a cliff 厂
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 石?
Decomposition of 石
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 石?
Write 石
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Practice writing 石 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 石
石 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 10 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.
Complete the Sentence
现急需煤炭、____油、电力及其他能源。
Coal, petroleum, electricity, and other energy sources are urgently needed.
Common Confusions with 石
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "dry measure for grain equal to ten dou 斗"?
Example Sentences for 石 (10)
Cultural Notes for 石
In Chinese culture, stones are often associated with stability and strength, reflecting the philosophical idea of resilience. Additionally, stones have historical significance in Chinese poetry and art, symbolizing permanence and endurance.
Word Family of 石
Compound Meaning
What does 确 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 石
石 (shí) is a common Chinese surname, meaning 'stone.' Many Chinese people with this surname may have ancestral ties to regions where stone carving was prominent or where stone resources were abundant. It is a name associated with strength and durability.