Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
扇 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
扇
shān
to fan
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shān
to slap sb on the face
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shān
fan
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shān
sliding, hinged or detachable flat part of sth
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shān
classifier for doors, windows etc
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shān
fan; panel; to flap
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shàn
to fan
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shàn
to slap sb on the face
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shàn
fan
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shàn
sliding, hinged or detachable flat part of sth
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shàn
classifier for doors, windows etc
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
扇
shàn
fan; panel; to flap
HSK 5, q, 10 strokes, radical 户, rank #2197, Hard
shān(shan1)shan
primary
T1
1to fan
2to slap sb on the face
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
扇shān(shan1)
The character 扇 (shān) primarily means 'fan', referring to both the object used to create airflow and the action of fanning. It can also imply slapping someone on the face, which is a more informal and colloquial usage. The character is often seen in contexts related to cooling oneself or as a classifier for flat objects like doors and windows.
Strokes10Radical户Frequency#2197DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In traditional Chinese culture, fans are not only practical items for cooling but also serve as decorative objects and symbols of elegance, especially in classical arts and dance. The use of fans in performances is significant in Chinese opera and cultural ceremonies.
Memory tip
Imagine a large扇 (shān) fan that flaps back and forth, creating a cool breeze. The character has a 'hand' radical (扌) indicating action, and it looks like two hands working together to flap a fan. Visualize this scene to remember both the sound and meaning.
Meanings of 扇
shān(shan1)
primary
1to fan
2to slap sb on the face
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 扇 means.
About 扇
扇Simplified
10Strokes
户Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#2197Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 扇
Podcast: 扇
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 扇
Quick Contrast
扇 (shān) vs 风扇 (fēngshàn) — use 扇 for the action of fanning or the traditional handheld fan, while 风扇 specifically refers to an electric fan.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 扇 with other similar characters related to movement, like 翻 (fān), which means 'to turn over'. It is more common in informal contexts, such as conversations about summer heat. Be mindful of using the correct tone when discussing its meanings, as context can change its interpretation significantly.
HSK Study Tips
While 扇 is not part of the HSK levels, it connects with HSK vocabulary related to household items and actions. Students should focus on practicing its usage in sentences, especially in describing actions involving fans and other flat objects.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes misuse 扇 by confusing it with other characters that describe movement, leading to sentences like '我扇我的门' (I fan my door) instead of the correct usage referring to 'fanning' or 'to slap'. Ensure you are clear about the context in which you are using this character.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 扇
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 扇, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 扇 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 扇?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 扇 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 扇 (shān) primarily means 'fan', referring to both the object used to create airflow and the action of fanning. It can also imply slapping someone on the face, which is a more informal and colloquial usage. The character is often seen in contexts related to cooling oneself or as a classifier for flat objects like doors and windows.
When to use 扇
Learners often confuse 扇 with other similar characters related to movement, like 翻 (fān), which means 'to turn over'. It is more common in informal contexts, such as conversations about summer heat. Be mindful of using the correct tone when discussing its meanings, as context can change its interpretation significantly.
扇 or something close to it
扇 (shān) vs 风扇 (fēngshàn) — use 扇 for the action of fanning or the traditional handheld fan, while 风扇 specifically refers to an electric fan.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes misuse 扇 by confusing it with other characters that describe movement, leading to sentences like '我扇我的门' (I fan my door) instead of the correct usage referring to 'fanning' or 'to slap'. Ensure you are clear about the context in which you are using this character.
Write 扇
扇
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 扇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 扇
扇 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 6 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.
