HSK 7, zg, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #5107, Very Hard
垫
diàn
cushion
HSK 7, zg, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #5107, Very Hard
垫
diàn
mat
HSK 7, zg, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #5107, Very Hard
垫
diàn
to pad out
HSK 7, zg, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #5107, Very Hard
垫
diàn
to fill a gap
HSK 7, zg, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #5107, Very Hard
垫
diàn
to pay for sb
HSK 7, zg, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #5107, Very Hard
垫
diàn
to advance (money)
HSK 7, zg, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #5107, Very Hard
垫
diàn
cushion, mat, pad; to advance money, to pay for another
HSK 7, zg, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #5107, Very 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#5107DifficultyVery Hard
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.
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.
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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Drill the tone of 垫 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 土 represents the meaning and 执 represents the sound. Simplified form of 墊.
1The meaning half土 carries the sense.
2The sound half执 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayearth
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 垫? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 垫?
Decomposition of 垫
IDS Structure⿱执土
垫Full Character
=
执zhi2
top
土Tu3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 垫?
How to say pad in Chinese
“pad” in Chinese is垫diàn
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.
When to use 垫
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.
垫 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 垫
垫
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Practice writing 垫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
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.
