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鞍 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
鞍
ān
saddle
ns, 15 strokes, radical 革, rank #24129, Very Hard
鞍
ān
graphic variant of 鞍[an1]
unknown, 15 strokes, radical 革, rank #24129, Very Hard
ān(an1)an T1
1saddle
2graphic variant of 鞍[an1]
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March 24, 2026
鞍(鞌)ān(an1)
The character 鞍 (ān) refers to a saddle, specifically the equipment placed on a horse's back for riding. It is commonly used in contexts related to horseback riding and equestrian activities, as well as in metaphorical expressions related to support or stability.
Strokes15Radical革Frequency#24129DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In traditional Chinese culture, horse riding was an essential skill for military and nomadic life, making the saddle (鞍) a significant symbol of status and mobility in historical contexts.
Memory tip
Imagine a horse with a big, comfy 'ān' (saddle) on its back. The top part of the character resembles a horse's back, while the bottom part can be visualized as the saddle itself, cradling the horse.
Meanings of 鞍
ān(an1)
1saddle
2graphic variant of 鞍[an1]
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 鞍 means.
About 鞍
鞍Simplified
鞌Traditional
15Strokes
革Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鞍
Podcast: 鞍
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AI study notes for 鞍
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation; 鞍 (ān) has a first tone, which can easily be confused with similar-sounding words in different tones. It is mostly used in formal contexts related to horse riding, and it collocates with words like '马' (horse) to form '马鞍' (horse saddle).
HSK Study Tips
Although 鞍 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance comprehension in advanced texts about animals or traditional Chinese culture. Focus on recognizing the character in context while learning related vocabulary about horses.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鞍 (ān) with similar characters due to tonal mistakes or misinterpretations of the context. For example, saying '我喜欢这个鞍' (I like this saddle) in a non-horse context can sound awkward; instead, use it in a clear equestrian context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鞍
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Learning Lab
Knowing 鞍 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
鞍 = 革 + 安. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 鞍
IDS Structure⿰革安
鞍Full character
=
革ge2
left
安An1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 鞍?
How to say saddle in Chinese
“saddle” in Chinese is鞍ān
The character 鞍 (ān) refers to a saddle, specifically the equipment placed on a horse's back for riding. It is commonly used in contexts related to horseback riding and equestrian activities, as well as in metaphorical expressions related to support or stability.
When to use 鞍
Be cautious with the pronunciation; 鞍 (ān) has a first tone, which can easily be confused with similar-sounding words in different tones. It is mostly used in formal contexts related to horse riding, and it collocates with words like '马' (horse) to form '马鞍' (horse saddle).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鞍 (ān) with similar characters due to tonal mistakes or misinterpretations of the context. For example, saying '我喜欢这个鞍' (I like this saddle) in a non-horse context can sound awkward; instead, use it in a clear equestrian context.
Write 鞍
鞍
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Practice writing 鞍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 鞍
鞍 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 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她梦想成为马戏团中的一名无____马骑手。
She dreamed of being a bareback rider in a circus.
Example sentences for 鞍 (10)
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1
她梦想成为马戏团中的一名无鞍马骑手。
tā mèngxiǎng chéngwéi mǎxì tuán zhōng de yī míng wú ān mǎ qíshǒu。
She dreamed of being a bareback rider in a circus.
