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March 24, 2026
蹒(蹣)pán(pan2)
The character 蹒 (pán) means to stagger or limp, typically used to describe a walking style that is unsteady or impaired. It often conveys a sense of difficulty in movement due to injury or fatigue, and can be used both literally and metaphorically in various contexts.
Strokes17Radical足Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, a person's walk is often seen as a reflection of their health, making the concept of limping significant in discussions of well-being and recovery.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone trying to walk after twisting their ankle—each step is a struggle, and they are 'pán'-ting as they try to maintain balance. The character contains the foot radical (足), reminding you that this action involves walking.
Meanings of 蹒
pán(pan2)
1to stagger, to limp
2limp
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蹒
蹒Simplified
蹣Traditional
17Strokes
足Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蹒
Podcast: 蹒
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AI Study Notes for 蹒
Quick Contrast
蹒 (pán) vs 摇 (yáo) — use 蹒 for unsteady or impaired walking, while 摇 refers to swaying or rocking motion.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine someone trying to walk after twisting their ankle—each step is a struggle, and they are 'pán'-ting as they try to maintain balance. The character contains the foot radical (足), reminding you that this action involves walking.
Usage Notes
Be cautious using 蹒 in formal contexts, as it may imply weakness or injury. Common collocations include 蹒跚 (pánshān), meaning to walk unsteadily. Ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronunciation could change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 蹒 is not currently included in HSK levels, it connects to other movement-related vocabulary, such as 走 (zǒu, to walk) and 跑 (pǎo, to run). Focus on the nuances of movement and how this word contrasts with more stable actions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, a person's walk is often seen as a reflection of their health, making the concept of limping significant in discussions of well-being and recovery.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蹒 with other movement verbs like 走 (zǒu) and 跑 (pǎo), leading to phrases like '我蹒去商店' (Wǒ pán qù shāngdiàn, 'I stagger to the store'), which should instead use 走: '我走去商店' (Wǒ zǒu qù shāngdiàn).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蹒
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Grammar Patterns of 蹒
蹒 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
亚当____跚而行，沿路留下毁坏的痕迹。
Adam stumbles on, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
Example Sentences for 蹒 (10)
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1
亚当蹒跚而行，沿路留下毁坏的痕迹。
yà dāng pán shān ér háng， ， yán lù liú xià huǐ huài de hén。
Adam stumbles on, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
2
那只狗伸着舌头从树林里蹒跚地跑回来。
nà zhī gǒu shēn zháo shé tóu cóng shù lín lǐ pán shān dì pǎo huí lái。
Tongue lolling, the dog came lolloping back from the forest.
3
那条狗蹒跚地向他们跑来。
nà tiáo gǒu pán shān dì xiàng tā mén pǎo lái。
The dog came lolloping towards them.
4
我们的马沿着泥泞小路蹒跚而行。
wǒ mén de mǎ yán zháo ní nìng xiǎo lù pán shān ér háng。
Our horses plodded down the muddy track.
5
它步态蹒跚,吃饱了的身体更显得笨拙可笑.
tā bù tài pán shān, , chī bǎo le de shēn tǐ gēng xiǎn dé bèn zhuō kě.
Its body looks heavy and clumsy when it has eaten its fill.
6
蹒跚学步的孩子指着想要的玩具.
pán shān xué bù de hái zǐ zhǐ zháo xiǎng yào de wán jù.
The toddler pointed to the toy he wanted.
7
老人在他的孙子挽扶下蹒跚而行.
lǎo rén zài tā de sūn zǐ wǎn fú xià pán shān ér háng.
The old man hobbled along with the help of his grandson.
The old man with his basket of books staggers out of the door.
Cultural Notes for 蹒
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, a person's walk is often seen as a reflection of their health, making the concept of limping significant in discussions of well-being and recovery.
Word Family of 蹒
Words Containing This Character2
蹒跚to stagger蹣跚
蹒pánlimp蹣
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 蹒跚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蹒
No, while it primarily describes physical unsteadiness, it can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where progress is slow or hindered.
Generally, 蹒 carries a negative connotation, indicating difficulty or struggle, so it is rarely used positively.
