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
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
We shall try to drive them for a while in double harness.
9
骑士一跃而跨坐鞍上.
qí shì yī yuè ér kuà zuò ān shàng.
The jockey vaulted into the sandle.
10
杰瑞在马鞍上愣了一下.
jié ruì zài mǎ ān shàng lèng le yī xià.
Jerry started in his saddle.
Cultural Notes for 鞍
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 鞍
Words Containing This Character10
马鞍saddle馬鞍
鞍āngraphic variant of 鞍[ān]鞌
鞍山Anshan prefecture-level city in Liaoning province 遼寧省|辽宁省 in northeast China
鞍马pommel horse (gymnastics)鞍馬
鞍山市Anshan prefecture-level city in Liaoning province 遼寧省|辽宁省 in northeast China
马鞍山Ma'anshan prefecture-level city in Anhui馬鞍山
鞍前马后to follow everywhere鞍前馬後
马鞍山市Ma'anshan prefecture-level city in Anhui馬鞍山市
鞍马劳顿travel-worn鞍馬勞頓
鞍点saddle point (math.), a critical point of a function of several variables that is neither a maximum nor a minimum鞍點
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 马鞍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鞍
Make sure to pronounce 鞍 with a high and level first tone (ān), avoiding the lower tones that may change the meaning.
While 鞍 is more technical and specific, it can be used in discussions about horses or riding, but might not come up frequently in casual chat.
Primarily, 鞍 means 'saddle,' but it can also appear in idiomatic expressions related to support or stability.
