Meanings of 團
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About 團
Podcast: 團
Podcast: 團
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AI Study Notes for 團
团 (tuán) vs 组 (zǔ): use 團 (tuán) for a round shape or collective group, while 组 (zǔ) specifically refers to a structured group or team.
This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing groups or organizations. A common mistake is to confuse it with characters like 组 (zǔ), which also means group but emphasizes formation rather than gathering. Be mindful of the fourth tone when pronouncing it to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.
Although 團 is not listed in the official HSK levels, it is useful for learners at HSK 3 and above, as it connects to themes of community and collaboration. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in various contexts like团体 (tuántǐ, group) and團圓 (tuányuán, reunion).
Learners often confuse 團 with 團圓 (tuányuán), thinking they mean the same. While 團 refers to a group or gathering, 團圓 specifically relates to the idea of reunion and completeness, so ensure to use them in the correct context.
Pronunciation of 團
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Etymology of 團
Simplified form of 團. Phonosemantic compound. 囗 represents the meaning and 專 represents the sound.
A lot of talent 專 gathered in one place 囗
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 團
Simplified form of 團. Phonosemantic compound. 囗 represents the meaning and 專 represents the sound.
- 1The giveawayA lot of talent 專 gathered in one place 囗
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 團? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 團?
Decomposition of 團
Identify the Components
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How to say sphere, circle, ball; mass, lump; group, regiment; to gather in Chinese
“sphere, circle, ball; mass, lump; group, regiment; to gather” in Chinese is團
團 (tuán) refers to a sphere or circle, often used to describe something that is round or ball-like. It can also denote a group or mass of people or objects gathered together, such as in a team or regiment. This character is commonly used in contexts involving organization and collective effort.
When to use 團
This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing groups or organizations. A common mistake is to confuse it with characters like 组 (zǔ), which also means group but emphasizes formation rather than gathering. Be mindful of the fourth tone when pronouncing it to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.
團 or something close to it
团 (tuán) vs 组 (zǔ): use 團 (tuán) for a round shape or collective group, while 组 (zǔ) specifically refers to a structured group or team.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 團 with 團圓 (tuányuán), thinking they mean the same. While 團 refers to a group or gathering, 團圓 specifically relates to the idea of reunion and completeness, so ensure to use them in the correct context.
Write 團
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Practice writing 團 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 團
Compound Meaning
What does 团 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 團
You can say '我們是一個團隊' (Wǒmen shì yī gè tuánduì), meaning 'We are a team.'
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