unknown, 15 strokes, radical 革, rank #24129, Very Hard
ān(an1) 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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Phonosemantic compound. 革 represents the meaning and 安 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鞌.
1The meaning half革 carries the sense.
2The sound half安 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayleather
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鞍? 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 鞍?
Decomposition of 鞍
IDS Structure⿰革安
鞍Full Character
=
革ge2
left
安An1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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
Complete the Sentence
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 mèng xiǎng chéng wéi mǎ xì tuán zhōng de yī míng wú ān mǎ qí shǒu。
She dreamed of being a bareback rider in a circus.
