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锻 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
锻duànto forgeHSK 3, v, 14 strokes, radical 钅, rank #34699, Very Hard
锻duànto disciplineHSK 3, v, 14 strokes, radical 钅, rank #34699, Very Hard
锻duànwroughtHSK 3, v, 14 strokes, radical 钅, rank #34699, Very Hard
锻duànto temper, to refine; to forge metalHSK 3, v, 14 strokes, radical 钅, rank #34699, Very Hard
duàn(duan4) T4
  1. 1to forge
  2. 2to discipline
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March 24, 2026
锻(鍛)duàn(duan4)

The character 锻 (duàn) primarily means 'to forge' or 'to temper,' particularly in the context of shaping metal through heat and hammering. It is also used metaphorically to refer to discipline and refinement in personal development or skills. This duality emphasizes both physical and mental transformation.

Strokes14Radical钅Frequency#34699DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the process of forging metal is highly regarded, reflecting the values of hard work and transformation. The forging of weapons and tools played a significant role in ancient Chinese history, symbolizing strength and precision.

Memory Tip

Imagine a blacksmith forging a sword (锻) by heating it in a fire and hammering it into shape. The shape of the character has a 'metal' component (金) at the bottom, which reminds you that it relates to metalwork, while the top part suggests the action of striking or tempering.

Meanings of 锻

duàn(duan4)
1to forge
2to discipline
Exercise 1 of 3

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 锻

锻Simplified
鍛Traditional
14Strokes
钅Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#34699Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3

Podcast: 锻

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Podcast: 锻

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AI Study Notes for 锻

Quick Contrast

锻 (duàn, to forge) vs 铸 (zhù, to cast) — use 锻 when referring to shaping metal through heat and hammering, while 铸 is for shaping metal by pouring it into a mold.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a blacksmith forging a sword (锻) by heating it in a fire and hammering it into shape. The shape of the character has a 'metal' component (金) at the bottom, which reminds you that it relates to metalwork, while the top part suggests the action of striking or tempering.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 锻 (duàn) with other similar-sounding words. It is generally used in more formal contexts when discussing craftsmanship or personal development. Common collocations include 锻炼 (duànliàn), meaning 'to exercise' or 'to train,' which emphasizes the idea of physical and mental discipline.

HSK Study Tips

While 锻 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other words at higher levels, especially those related to physical training or craftsmanship. Focus on the context in which it is used and practice forming phrases with 锻 to enhance retention.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the process of forging metal is highly regarded, reflecting the values of hard work and transformation. The forging of weapons and tools played a significant role in ancient Chinese history, symbolizing strength and precision.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 锻 (duàn) with 煅 (duàn), which is used in a similar context but is less common. Remember that 锻 is more associated with metalwork and discipline, whereas 煅 generally refers to the process of calcining or roasting.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 锻

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Etymology of 锻

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 鍛. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 段 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

metal

Semantic (meaning)钅
+
Phonetic (sound)段
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 锻?

Decomposition of 锻

IDS Structure⿰钅段
锻Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
段Duan4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 锻?

Write 锻

锻

Practice writing 锻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 锻

锻 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 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.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

你看人家经常____炼，身体多好。

Look at how often they exercise — how healthy they are!

Common Confusions with 锻

锻vs炼
liàn

锻 refers to forging, while 炼 focuses more on the process of refining.

锻vs锤
chuí

Both characters are related to metalworking but have different meanings.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "to forge"?

or

Example Sentences for 锻 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
即使你只感到很轻微的胸部疼痛，也不要继续锻炼。

jí shǐ nǐ zhī gǎn dào hěn qīng wēi de xiōng bù téng tòng， ， yě bù yào jì xù duàn。

Never keep on exercising if you have even the slightest chest pain.
2
游泳或许是现有的最佳锻炼方式。

yóu yǒng huò xǔ shì xiàn yǒu de zuì jiā duàn liàn fāng shì。

Swimming is probably the best form of exercise you can get.
3
他们称划船是最佳运动，它可以锻炼每一处主要肌肉群。

tā mén chēng huá chuán shì zuì jiā yùn dòng， ， tā kě yǐ duàn liàn měi yī chǔ zhǔ yào jī ròu。

They call rowing the perfect sport. It exercises every major muscle group.
4
毕竟，锻炼15分钟比不锻炼好。

bì jìng， ， duàn15 liàn 15 fēn zhōng bǐ bù duàn。

After all, 15 minutes of exercise is better than nothing.
5
锻炼身体是排解工作压力的好办法。

duàn liàn shēn tǐ shì pái jiě gōng zuò yā lì de hǎo bàn fǎ。

Exercise is a good safety valve for the tension that builds up at work.
6
游泳是很好的锻炼方式。

yóu yǒng shì hěn hǎo de duàn liàn fāng shì。

Swimming is a good form of exercise.
7
我发现要让我自己定期出门锻炼真的很难。

wǒ fā xiàn yào ràng wǒ zì jǐ dìng qī chū mén duàn liàn zhēn de hěn nán。

I find it really hard to drag myself out and exercise regularly.
8
锻炼身体对增进健康大有益处。

duàn liàn shēn tǐ duì zēng jìn jiàn kāng dà yǒu yì chǔ。

Exercising the body does a great deal to improve one's health.
9
缺乏锻炼会导致抑郁和疲劳。

quē fá duàn liàn huì dǎo zhì yì yù hé pí láo。

Lack of exercise can lead to feelings of depression and exhaustion.
10
每天锻炼身体使他看起来年轻而不显老.

měi tiān duàn liàn shēn tǐ shǐ tā kàn qǐ lái nián qīng ér bù xiǎn lǎo.

Taking exercise every day makes him look younger instead of older.

Cultural Notes for 锻

💡Did you know?

In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 锻炼 (to forge or temper) extends beyond physical exercise to encompass mental and spiritual discipline, emphasizing the holistic development of an individual.

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, the process of forging metal is highly regarded, reflecting the values of hard work and transformation. The forging of weapons and tools played a significant role in ancient Chinese history, symbolizing strength and precision.

Word Family of 锻

Words Containing This Character4
锻炼duànliànto toughen鍛鍊
锻造forging鍛造
锻duànto forge鍛
锻铁wrought iron鍛鐵
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 锻炼 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 锻

Yes, 锻 is used in phrases like '锻炼身体' (duàn liàn shēn tǐ) meaning 'to exercise' or 'to train the body.' This reflects both the physical aspect of forging and the idea of self-discipline.