HSK 7, n, 6 strokes, radical 巾, rank #10907, Very Hard
帆
fān
Taiwan pr. [fán]
HSK 7, n, 6 strokes, radical 巾, rank #10907, Very Hard
帆
fān
boat; to sail
HSK 7, n, 6 strokes, radical 巾, rank #10907, Very Hard
帆
fān
Taiwan pr. [fan2], except 帆布[fan1 bu4] canvas
HSK 7, unknown, 6 strokes, radical 巾, rank #10907, Very Hard
fān(fan1) T1
1to gallop
2Taiwan pr. [fán]
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March 24, 2026
帆(㠶)fān(fan1)
The character 帆 (fān) primarily refers to a sail, which is a piece of fabric used to catch the wind and propel a boat forward. It is commonly used in maritime contexts and can also imply the act of sailing. In broader usage, it can denote speed or galloping, particularly in relation to horses or vehicles.
Strokes6Radical巾Frequency#10907DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sailing has historical significance, especially in relation to trade and exploration during ancient dynasties. The character 帆 symbolizes not only the act of sailing but also the spirit of adventure and journeying across waters.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large sail (帆) catching the wind on a boat, propelling it forward like a galloping horse. The character looks like a sail raised high; the top part represents the sail itself, while the bottom forms the base of the boat. This imagery helps connect 'fān' with the meaning of sailing.
Meanings of 帆
fān(fan1)
1to gallop
2Taiwan pr. [fán]
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 帆
帆Simplified
㠶Traditional
6Strokes
巾Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10907Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 帆
Podcast: 帆
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AI Study Notes for 帆
Quick Contrast
帆 (sail) vs 旗 (flag) — choose 帆 when referring specifically to a sail used for propulsion, while 旗 denotes a flag that is typically used for signaling or decoration.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 帆 as it is pronounced 'fān' with a high-level tone. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. In informal settings, it can be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase 'sailing through life'.
HSK Study Tips
While 帆 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners should be aware that it connects to nautical themes prevalent in Chinese culture. Focusing on related vocabulary about sailing and maritime activities can enhance understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 帆 with the character 烦 (fán), which means 'annoyed' or 'troubled'. Ensure you practice the correct pronunciation and context to avoid this mix-up.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 帆
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Phonosemantic compound. 巾 represents the meaning and 凡 represents the sound. Simplified form of 㠶.
1The meaning half巾 carries the sense.
2The sound half凡 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaycloth
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 帆? 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 帆?
Decomposition of 帆
IDS Structure⿰巾凡
帆Full Character
=
巾jin1
left
凡fan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 帆?
How to say to gallop in Chinese
“to gallop” in Chinese is帆fān
The character 帆 (fān) primarily refers to a sail, which is a piece of fabric used to catch the wind and propel a boat forward. It is commonly used in maritime contexts and can also imply the act of sailing. In broader usage, it can denote speed or galloping, particularly in relation to horses or vehicles.
When to use 帆
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 帆 as it is pronounced 'fān' with a high-level tone. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. In informal settings, it can be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase 'sailing through life'.
帆 or something close to it
帆 (sail) vs 旗 (flag) — choose 帆 when referring specifically to a sail used for propulsion, while 旗 denotes a flag that is typically used for signaling or decoration.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 帆 with the character 烦 (fán), which means 'annoyed' or 'troubled'. Ensure you practice the correct pronunciation and context to avoid this mix-up.
Write 帆
帆
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Practice writing 帆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 帆
帆 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.