Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
颭zhǎn(zhan3)
The character 颭 (zhǎn) means 'to sway in the wind.' It is often used to describe the gentle movement of objects like trees or flags when influenced by the wind. This term evokes a sense of lightness and fluidity, commonly used in poetic or descriptive contexts.
Strokes14Radical風Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese poetry, the imagery of swaying trees or flags symbolizes the transient nature of life and beauty. This character can bring to mind scenes from classical literature where nature plays a significant role.
Memory Tip
Think of a flag (the top part of 颭) fluttering and swaying in a breeze. The character's left side suggests movement, while the right side, resembling a flag, helps you remember the idea of swaying in the wind.
Meanings of 颭
zhǎn(zhan3)
1to sway in the wind
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 颭
颭Simplified
14Strokes
風Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 颭
Podcast: 颭
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 颭
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a flag (the top part of 颭) fluttering and swaying in a breeze. The character's left side suggests movement, while the right side, resembling a flag, helps you remember the idea of swaying in the wind.
Usage Notes
While 颭 is not frequently used in everyday conversation, it is more common in literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like '展' (zhǎn), which means 'to open' or 'to exhibit.' Always pay attention to the tone when pronouncing it.
HSK Study Tips
As 颭 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on similar characters that describe movement or natural phenomena. Connecting it with related terms can deepen understanding of descriptive language in Chinese.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese poetry, the imagery of swaying trees or flags symbolizes the transient nature of life and beauty. This character can bring to mind scenes from classical literature where nature plays a significant role.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 颭 with similar characters like '展' (zhǎn), leading to incorrect meanings. Remember that 颭 specifically refers to swaying, whereas '展' involves the notion of opening.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 颭
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 颭 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 颭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 颭
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese poetry, the imagery of swaying trees or flags symbolizes the transient nature of life and beauty. This character can bring to mind scenes from classical literature where nature plays a significant role.
Word Family of 颭
Words Containing This Character1
飐zhǎnto sway in the wind颭
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 飐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 颭
It is pronounced zhǎn, with the third tone, which has a falling and rising intonation.
It's more common in poetry or literature than in daily speech. You might use more general words for swaying or moving.
Yes, you could use '摇' (yáo), which also means 'to sway' or 'to shake,' in more common contexts.