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March 24, 2026
平坦píngtǎn(ping2tan3)
平坦 (píng tǎn) describes a surface that is level, even, or smooth, often used to refer to terrain or physical surfaces. In contexts like geography or architecture, it conveys the idea of uniformity and lack of obstacles, which can be important for construction or travel.
Strokes13Frequency#20779DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
平坦 is often associated with the concept of stability in Chinese culture, especially regarding land and property. A flat and even landscape is seen as auspicious for agriculture and urban development.
Memory Tip
Imagine a perfectly flat table where you can roll a marble without it stopping. The character 平 (píng) looks like a level line, and 坦 (tǎn) resembles a flat surface. Combine these images to remember that 平坦 means 'flat' or 'level.'
Meanings of 平坦
píngtǎn(ping2tan3)
1level
2even
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About 平坦
平坦Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#20779Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 平坦
Podcast: 平坦
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AI Study Notes for 平坦
Quick Contrast
平滑 (pínghuá) refers specifically to a smooth surface texture, while 平坦 (píngtǎn) emphasizes being level or even in elevation.
Usage Notes
平坦 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful not to confuse it with similar words like '平滑' (píng huá), which means 'smooth.' Common collocations include '平坦的道路' (level road) and '平坦的表面' (flat surface). Pay attention to tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 平坦 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to geography and property descriptions. Students should focus on using it in descriptive phrases and practice its pronunciation to ensure clarity in communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 平坦 with similar terms like '平滑' (píng huá). For example, saying '这条路很平滑' (This road is very smooth) when they mean it is flat. The correct term for a flat road is 平坦: '这条路很平坦' (This road is very flat).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 平坦
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平坦 (píng tǎn) describes a surface that is level, even, or smooth, often used to refer to terrain or physical surfaces. In contexts like geography or architecture, it conveys the idea of uniformity and lack of obstacles, which can be important for construction or travel.
When to use 平坦
平坦 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful not to confuse it with similar words like '平滑' (píng huá), which means 'smooth.' Common collocations include '平坦的道路' (level road) and '平坦的表面' (flat surface). Pay attention to tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
平坦 or something close to it
平滑 (pínghuá) refers specifically to a smooth surface texture, while 平坦 (píngtǎn) emphasizes being level or even in elevation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 平坦 with similar terms like '平滑' (píng huá). For example, saying '这条路很平滑' (This road is very smooth) when they mean it is flat. The correct term for a flat road is 平坦: '这条路很平坦' (This road is very flat).
Write 平坦
平
坦
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Grammar Patterns of 平坦
平坦 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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.
