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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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
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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
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Phonosemantic compound. 立 represents the meaning and 耑 represents the sound.
1The meaning half立 carries the sense.
2The sound half耑 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaystand
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 端? 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 端?
Decomposition of 端
IDS Structure⿰立耑
端Full Character
=
立Li4
left
耑duan1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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
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Practice writing 端 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
