Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
端duān(duan1)
The character 端 (duān) primarily means 'end' or 'extremity,' often used in contexts referring to the edges of objects or concepts. It can also imply carrying something with both hands in a level position, suggesting care or balance. Additionally, 端 can denote a port or item, reflecting its versatility in both physical and abstract expressions.
Strokes14Radical立Frequency#3547DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) is a significant holiday, where 端 plays a crucial role in its name. It reflects the importance of traditional customs and the connection to the agricultural calendar.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are holding a delicate dish at both ends (端) with both hands, ensuring it stays level and balanced. The character has a 'head' (the top stroke) and a 'base' (the bottom), symbolizing stability and the idea of holding something steady.
Meanings of 端
duān(duan1)
1end
2extremity
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 端 means.
About 端
端Simplified
14Strokes
立Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3547Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 端
Podcast: 端
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 端
Quick Contrast
端 (duān) vs 边 (biān) — choose 端 when emphasizing the end or extremity of an object, while 边 refers to the side or border.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 端 with similar-sounding words. It's typically used in formal contexts, so ensure you match the tone of your conversation. Common collocations include '端正' (duānzhèng - upright) and '端午' (Duānwǔ - Dragon Boat Festival), where the character reflects specific meanings and cultural significance.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 端 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to precision and balance, such as '稳定' (wěndìng - stable) and '极端' (jíduān - extreme). Students should focus on its nuanced meanings and different contexts to enhance comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 端 in informal settings, thinking it can replace simpler terms. For example, saying '我端去商店' (I carry to the store) instead of using a more appropriate verb like '拿' (ná - to take). Always ensure you understand the context in which 端 is used.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 端
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 端 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward 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 端 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 端?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 端 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.
端 = 立 + 耑. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 端
IDS Structure⿰立耑
端Full Character
=
立Li4
left
耑duan1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 端?
How to say end in Chinese
“end” in Chinese is端duān
The character 端 (duān) primarily means 'end' or 'extremity,' often used in contexts referring to the edges of objects or concepts. It can also imply carrying something with both hands in a level position, suggesting care or balance. Additionally, 端 can denote a port or item, reflecting its versatility in both physical and abstract expressions.
When to use 端
Be cautious not to confuse 端 with similar-sounding words. It's typically used in formal contexts, so ensure you match the tone of your conversation. Common collocations include '端正' (duānzhèng - upright) and '端午' (Duānwǔ - Dragon Boat Festival), where the character reflects specific meanings and cultural significance.
端 or something close to it
端 (duān) vs 边 (biān) — choose 端 when emphasizing the end or extremity of an object, while 边 refers to the side or border.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 端 in informal settings, thinking it can replace simpler terms. For example, saying '我端去商店' (I carry to the store) instead of using a more appropriate verb like '拿' (ná - to take). Always ensure you understand the context in which 端 is used.
Write 端
端
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 端 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 端
端 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 11 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.
