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March 24, 2026
段duàn(Duan4)
The character 段 (duàn) primarily means 'section' or 'paragraph,' often used to denote a segment of text or a stage in a process. It can also function as a classifier for various items, such as stories or periods of time. In everyday usage, it conveys the concept of division or segmentation in a clear and organized manner.
Strokes9Radical殳Frequency#522DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of dividing text into sections is significant for clarity and organization, especially in formal writing such as essays or academic papers. This reflects the value placed on structured communication in Chinese education.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '段' (duàn) as a 'dune' that segments the landscape into sections. Just as a dune divides the flat desert, this character divides information into manageable parts. The pronunciation 'duàn' can remind you of 'dawn,' marking the beginning of a new section of the day.
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AI Study Notes for 段
Quick Contrast
节 (jié) - use 段 (duàn) when referring to a section of text or a stage in a process, while 节 (jié) is more commonly used for sections in a schedule or events.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 段 with other similar characters that denote sections or divisions. It's typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you pair it correctly with verbs like 写 (xiě, to write) when discussing writing paragraphs. Common collocations include ‘段落’ (duànluò, paragraph) and ‘阶段’ (jiēduàn, stage).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 段 connects well with other words related to time and division. Focus on using it in sentences that involve organizing thoughts or processes, as this will reinforce your understanding and application in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 段 with 断 (duàn), which means 'to break' or 'to cut off.' For example, saying '我需要一段时间' (I need a break time) instead of '我需要一段时间' (I need a segment of time) can lead to misunderstanding. Always clarify the context to avoid mix-ups.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 段
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Pictograph of a hand holding a forging hammer (殳) and hitting a stone (石). Based on the original meaning "forge", now written as 鍛. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
Pictograph of a hand holding a forging hammer (殳) and hitting a stone (石). Based on the original meaning "forge", now written as 鍛. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
1The giveawayA hand using a chisel 殳 to cut stone
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 段?
Decomposition of 段
IDS Structure⿰？殳
段Full Character
=
殳Shu1
left
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 段?
How to say paragraph in Chinese
“paragraph” in Chinese is段duàn
The character 段 (duàn) primarily means 'section' or 'paragraph,' often used to denote a segment of text or a stage in a process. It can also function as a classifier for various items, such as stories or periods of time. In everyday usage, it conveys the concept of division or segmentation in a clear and organized manner.
When to use 段
Be cautious not to confuse 段 with other similar characters that denote sections or divisions. It's typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you pair it correctly with verbs like 写 (xiě, to write) when discussing writing paragraphs. Common collocations include ‘段落’ (duànluò, paragraph) and ‘阶段’ (jiēduàn, stage).
段 or something close to it
节 (jié) - use 段 (duàn) when referring to a section of text or a stage in a process, while 节 (jié) is more commonly used for sections in a schedule or events.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 段 with 断 (duàn), which means 'to break' or 'to cut off.' For example, saying '我需要一段时间' (I need a break time) instead of '我需要一段时间' (I need a segment of time) can lead to misunderstanding. Always clarify the context to avoid mix-ups.
Write 段
段
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Grammar Patterns of 段
段 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 7 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.
Some examples include '段落' (duànluò), meaning 'paragraph,' and '这段故事很感人' (zhè duàn gùshì hěn gǎnrén), meaning 'this segment of the story is very touching.' These showcase how 段 can be used to refer to different sections.
To use 段 in a sentence, you can say '这段时间我很忙' (zhè duàn shíjiān wǒ hěn máng), which translates to 'I have been very busy during this period.' It's often used to indicate a specific section of time or a part of a narrative.
段 (duàn) primarily means 'section' or 'segment' in Chinese. It can refer to a part of a story, a stage in a process, or even a length of thread. Additionally, it is also a common surname.
You can use 段 to indicate a section of text, for example: '这段文字很重要' (This section of text is very important).
No, 段 can also refer to stages in processes or segments of time, such as '这一阶段非常关键' (This stage is very critical).
Common expressions include '段落' (paragraph) and '阶段' (stage).
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