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March 24, 2026
范(範)fàn(fan4)
The character 范 (fàn) primarily means 'pattern,' 'model,' or 'example.' It is commonly used in contexts where one refers to a standard or a guide for behavior, style, or method. Additionally, 范 is also a common Chinese surname.
Strokes8Radical艹Frequency#6863DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a '范' (model) is significant, particularly in education and mentorship, where one is often encouraged to follow the example set by respected figures or texts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'fan' (sounds like 'fàn') that has a beautiful pattern on it. When you open the fan, you see the intricate designs that serve as a model of artistry. This visual connection helps you remember the character's meaning of pattern and its pronunciation.
Meanings of 范
fàn(fan4)
1pattern
2model
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 范
范Simplified
範Traditional
8Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#6863Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 范
Podcast: 范
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AI Study Notes for 范
Quick Contrast
范 (fàn, pattern) vs 模 (mó, model) — use 范 when referring to a standard or example, while 模 is more about imitation or a mold.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 范; it is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone). Common collocations include 范例 (fànlì, example) and 范围 (fànwéi, scope). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.
HSK Study Tips
Though 范 is not part of the official HSK lists, it is useful for learners at HSK 4 and above. Focus on its usage in academic and professional contexts, especially when discussing models or standards in various fields.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 范 with the character 反 (fǎn, meaning 'to oppose'). For example, saying 范对 (fàn duì, which doesn't make sense) instead of 反对 (fǎn duì, meaning 'to oppose'). Always remember their distinct meanings and pronunciations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 范
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Phonosemantic compound. 艹 represents the meaning and 氾 represents the sound. Simplified form of 範.
1The meaning half艹 carries the sense.
2The sound half氾 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayplant
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 范? 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 范?
Decomposition of 范
IDS Structure⿱艹氾
范Full Character
=
艹cao3
top
氾fan4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 范?
How to say surname Fan in Chinese
“surname Fan” in Chinese is范fàn
The character 范 (fàn) primarily means 'pattern,' 'model,' or 'example.' It is commonly used in contexts where one refers to a standard or a guide for behavior, style, or method. Additionally, 范 is also a common Chinese surname.
When to use 范
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 范; it is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone). Common collocations include 范例 (fànlì, example) and 范围 (fànwéi, scope). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.
范 or something close to it
范 (fàn, pattern) vs 模 (mó, model) — use 范 when referring to a standard or example, while 模 is more about imitation or a mold.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 范 with the character 反 (fǎn, meaning 'to oppose'). For example, saying 范对 (fàn duì, which doesn't make sense) instead of 反对 (fǎn duì, meaning 'to oppose'). Always remember their distinct meanings and pronunciations.
Write 范
范
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Grammar Patterns of 范
范 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 5 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.
A style consultant will demonstrate how to dress to impress.
8
从那里开始，调查范围迅速扩大，有几人已经被逮捕。
cóng nà lǐ kāi shǐ， ， tiáo chá fàn wéi xùn sù kuò， dà ， yǒu jī rén yǐ jīng bèi。
The investigation snowballed from there and has since led to several arrests.
9
那份报告是言简意赅的典范。
nà fèn bào gào shì yán jiǎn yì gāi de diǎn fàn。
The report is a masterpiece of brevity.
10
这个协议可能会成为其他协议的范例。
zhè gè xié yì kě néng huì chéng wéi qí tā xié yì de fàn lì。
The deal is likely to provide a template for other agreements.
Word Family of 范
Words Containing This Character18
范围fànwéirange範圍
规范guīfànnorm規範
范fànpattern範
示范shìfànto demonstrate示範
防范fángfànwariness防範
模范mófànmodel模範
范畴fànchóucategory範疇
典范diǎnfànmodel典範
风范fēngfànair風範
规范化to standardize規範化
就范to submit就範
师范shīfànpedagogical師範
范例example範例
规范性normal規範性
范思哲Versace (fashion designer)
北京师范大学Beijing Normal University北京師範大學
范志毅Fan Zhiyi (1969-), soccer player
范式paradigm範式
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 范围 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 范
Some common phrases with 范 (fàn) include 范围 (fànwéi), meaning 'scope' or 'range,' and 范本 (fànběn), meaning 'template.' These phrases highlight the usage of 范 in various contexts relating to examples and standards.
In Chinese culture, 范 (fàn) is often used in educational contexts to denote models of behavior or achievements that others should aspire to. It can also refer to cultural standards or artistic styles that reflect traditional values.
范 (fàn) means 'pattern,' 'model,' or 'example' in Chinese. It is often used to refer to a standard or a prototype that others can follow. In various contexts, it can also imply a certain style or method that serves as a reference.
To use 范 (fàn) in a sentence, you can say something like '这个项目是一个很好的范例' (Zhège xiàngmù shì yīgè hěn hǎo de fànlì), which means 'This project is a very good example.' It often appears in phrases discussing standards or models.
Common phrases include 范例 (fànlì, example) and 范围 (fànwéi, scope).
Yes, 范 (fàn) is a common Chinese surname.
You can associate '范' with the English word 'fan,' which sounds similar and can help you recall its pronunciation.
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