cushion, mat, pad; to advance money, to pay for another
HSK 7, zg, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #5107, Hard
diàn(dian4) T4
1pad
2cushion
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March 24, 2026
垫(墊)diàn(dian4)
The character 垫 (diàn) refers to a pad, cushion, or mat that provides support or cushioning. It is commonly used in contexts involving physical support, such as padding for furniture, as well as in financial contexts where one might advance money to cover someone else's expenses.
Strokes9Radical土Frequency#5107DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of padding or cushioning is significant, as it relates to the idea of providing support for the body, both physically and energetically. This reflects the cultural value placed on balance and comfort in life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soft cushion (垫) under your feet, making every step feel lighter. The character has a bottom component (土) suggesting 'earth' or 'ground', giving you a sense of stability and support, while the top part (冂) looks like a roof, symbolizing protection and comfort.
Meanings of 垫
diàn(dian4)
1pad
2cushion
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 垫
垫Simplified
墊Traditional
9Strokes
土Radical
状态词zgnv (stat.)Part of Speech
#5107Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 垫
Podcast: 垫
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AI Study Notes for 垫
Quick Contrast
垫 (diàn) vs 垫子 (diànzi) — choose 垫 for the specific concept of a pad or cushion, while 垫子 refers to the object itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soft cushion (垫) under your feet, making every step feel lighter. The character has a bottom component (土) suggesting 'earth' or 'ground', giving you a sense of stability and support, while the top part (冂) looks like a roof, symbolizing protection and comfort.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 垫 with other similar-sounding words. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but especially in financial discussions. Be careful with the tone; the correct pronunciation is in the fourth tone (diàn) to avoid confusion with similar characters.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 垫 connects to other financial and physical support vocabulary. Focus on using it in compound words and phrases, such as 垫付 (to advance money) or 垫子 (cushion), to build a broader understanding.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of padding or cushioning is significant, as it relates to the idea of providing support for the body, both physically and energetically. This reflects the cultural value placed on balance and comfort in life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 垫 as diān instead of the correct diàn. Additionally, they might incorrectly use it in phrases without the context of support or finance, such as saying '我有垫' (I have a pad) without specifying what kind of pad.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 垫
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Grammar Patterns of 垫
垫 carries 8 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
针对他们各人不同的需要挑选柔软、软硬适中或者坚硬的床____。
Choose a soft, medium or firm mattress to suit their individual needs.
Example Sentences for 垫 (10)
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1
针对他们各人不同的需要挑选柔软、软硬适中或者坚硬的床垫。
zhēn duì tā mén gè rén bù tóng de xū yào tiāo xuǎn róu ruǎn、 、 ruǎn yìng shì zhōng huò zhě jiān yìng de chuáng。
Choose a soft, medium or firm mattress to suit their individual needs.
Buy the special supplies for the company, and claim back their cost.
9
请在垫子上擦擦脚再进来。
qǐng zài diàn zǐ shàng cā cā jiǎo zài jìn lái。
Wipe your feet on the mat before you come in, please.
10
请在垫子上蹭一蹭脚。
qǐng zài diàn zǐ shàng cèng yī cèng jiǎo。
Please wipe your feet on the mat.
Cultural Notes for 垫
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of padding or cushioning is significant, as it relates to the idea of providing support for the body, both physically and energetically. This reflects the cultural value placed on balance and comfort in life.
Word Family of 垫
Words Containing This Character20
垫diànpad墊
床垫mattress床墊
垫子diànzicushion墊子
垫付to advance funds to sb for later repayment墊付
铺垫bedcover鋪墊
坐垫cushion坐墊
鞋垫insole鞋墊
气垫air cushion (as on hovercraft)氣墊
衬垫pad襯墊
垫脚石stepping stone墊腳石
垫圈toilet seat墊圈
垫肩shoulder pad墊肩
垫背scapegoat墊背
垫片spacer墊片
垫脚litter (animal bedding)墊腳
气垫船hovercraft氣墊船
垫料lagging墊料
垫江Dianjiang county in Fuling suburbs of Chongqing municipality, formerly in Sichuan墊江
垫款advance (of funds)墊款
杯垫(beverage) coaster杯墊
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 垫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 垫
Common phrases include 垫付 (to advance money) and 垫子 (cushion or mat).
Yes, 垫 is often used to describe advancing money for someone else's expenses.
