Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
扇子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
扇子shànzifanHSK 5, n, 13 strokes, rank #24893, Hard
shànzi(shan4zi5) T4
  1. 1fan
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

扇子shànzi(shan4zi5)

扇子 (shànzi) refers to a hand-held fan, commonly used for cooling oneself or as a decorative accessory. It can be made from various materials, often featuring intricate designs and cultural significance, especially in traditional Chinese performances and ceremonies.

Strokes13Frequency#24893DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

扇子 holds a significant place in Chinese culture, often associated with traditional arts like opera and dance, where performers use fans to enhance their movements and storytelling.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant fan with a big 'sh' sound that sweeps away the heat. The character 扇 (shàn) looks like a hand (扌) holding a flat surface (扇) that creates a breeze; think of using it to fan yourself on a hot day.

Meanings of 扇子

shànzi(shan4zi5)
1fan
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 扇子

扇子Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#24893Frequency Rank
把Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 扇子

JasonAmy

Podcast: 扇子

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 扇子

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 扇子; a mistake in tone can lead to confusion with other words. It is generally used in informal contexts, but can also appear in more formal discussions about traditional culture.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 扇子 connects to vocabulary related to daily life and cultural practices, such as 家具 (furniture) and 生活 (life). Focus on practicing its usage in sentences about summer or traditional festivals.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 扇子 with other similar words like 伞 (sǎn, umbrella), as both can be used for protection against the elements. Remember, 扇子 is specifically for fanning air.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 扇子

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 扇子 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

扇shānto fan
HSK 510 strokes户
View full entry
子zison
HSK 33 strokes子
View full entry

How to say fan in Chinese

“fan” in Chinese is扇子shànzi

扇子 (shànzi) refers to a hand-held fan, commonly used for cooling oneself or as a decorative accessory. It can be made from various materials, often featuring intricate designs and cultural significance, especially in traditional Chinese performances and ceremonies.

When to use 扇子

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 扇子; a mistake in tone can lead to confusion with other words. It is generally used in informal contexts, but can also appear in more formal discussions about traditional culture.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 扇子 with other similar words like 伞 (sǎn, umbrella), as both can be used for protection against the elements. Remember, 扇子 is specifically for fanning air.

Write 扇子

扇
子

Practice writing 扇子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about 扇子

扇子 can be made from paper, silk, bamboo, or plastic, each varying in design and use.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 扇子?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.