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巅 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
巅diānmountain peak, mountain topn, 19 strokes, radical 山, rank #19639, Very Hard
巅diānsummitunknown, 19 strokes, radical 山, rank #19639, Very Hard
diān(dian1) T1
  1. 1mountain peak, mountain top
  2. 2summit
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March 24, 2026

巅(巔)diān(dian1)

The character 巅 (diān) refers to the peak or summit of a mountain, symbolizing the highest point of elevation. It is commonly used in contexts related to geography, climbing, and metaphorically to describe reaching the pinnacle of success or achievement.

Strokes19Radical山Frequency#19639DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, mountains are often seen as symbols of stability and endurance, and reaching the peak is associated with spiritual and physical triumph. Famous Chinese mountains, like Huashan and Wutai, are celebrated for their scenic peaks.

Memory Tip

Imagine a mountain with a flag at its top, symbolizing achievement. The character 巅 looks like a mountain with the roof (the top part) representing the peak, while the 'diān' pronunciation sounds like 'dear' in English, as if you're addressing the mountain that you hold dear for its height.

Meanings of 巅

diān(dian1)
1mountain peak, mountain top
2summit
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 巅 means.

About 巅

巅Simplified
巔Traditional
19Strokes
山Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 巅

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Podcast: 巅

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AI Study Notes for 巅

Quick Contrast

顶 (dǐng) refers to the top or peak of something, often used more generally, while 巅 (diān) specifically emphasizes the peak of a mountain or a metaphorical high point.

Usage Notes

This term is more formal and is typically used in written contexts, such as literature or geography. Common collocations include phrases like '山巅' (mountain peak) and '巅峰' (summit). Be cautious with pronunciation, as misplacing the tone could lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 巅 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other words describing mountains and high places, such as 山 (shān) for mountain and 高 (gāo) for high. Students should focus on the characteristics of characters depicting elevation and nature.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 巅 with 顶 (dǐng), which also means 'top' but is used more generally for the top of objects rather than specifically for mountains. For instance, saying '桌子巅' (table peak) is incorrect; use '桌子顶' instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 巅

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Etymology of 巅

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

The top 颠 of a mountain 山; 颠 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 巅?

Decomposition of 巅

IDS Structure⿱山颠
巅Full Character
=
山Shan1
top
颠dian1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 巅?

How to say mountain peak, mountain top in Chinese

“mountain peak, mountain top” in Chinese is巅diān

The character 巅 (diān) refers to the peak or summit of a mountain, symbolizing the highest point of elevation. It is commonly used in contexts related to geography, climbing, and metaphorically to describe reaching the pinnacle of success or achievement.

When to use 巅

This term is more formal and is typically used in written contexts, such as literature or geography. Common collocations include phrases like '山巅' (mountain peak) and '巅峰' (summit). Be cautious with pronunciation, as misplacing the tone could lead to misunderstandings.

巅 or something close to it

顶 (dǐng) refers to the top or peak of something, often used more generally, while 巅 (diān) specifically emphasizes the peak of a mountain or a metaphorical high point.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 巅 with 顶 (dǐng), which also means 'top' but is used more generally for the top of objects rather than specifically for mountains. For instance, saying '桌子巅' (table peak) is incorrect; use '桌子顶' instead.

Write 巅

巅

Practice writing 巅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 巅

巅 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 2 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这支管弦乐队呈现了精彩的演奏,堪称其多年来的____峰演奏。

The orchestra contrived to produce some of its best playing for years.

Example Sentences for 巅 (4)

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1
这支管弦乐队呈现了精彩的演奏,堪称其多年来的巅峰演奏。

zhè zhī guǎn xián lè duì chéng xiàn le jīng cǎi de yǎn zòu, , kān chēng qí duō nián lái de diān fēng yǎn。

The orchestra contrived to produce some of its best playing for years.
2
这几乎肯定是她事业的巅峰。

zhè jī hū kěn dìng shì tā shì yè de diān fēng。

This was almost certainly the high-water mark of her career.
3
对普里查德来说,参加奥运会是她事业上的巅峰。

duì pǔ lǐ chá dé lái shuō, , cān jiā ào yùn huì shì tā shì yè shàng de diān。

For Pritchard, reaching an Olympics was the climax of her career.
4
布莱奇利园的雇员数在巅峰时期曾达1.2万人。

bù lái qí lì yuán de gù yuán shù zài diān fēng shí qī zēng dá1.2 1.2 wàn。

At its height Bletchley Park employed 12,000 people.

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Word Family of 巅

Words Containing This Character3
巅峰diānfēngsummit巔峰
巅diānsummit巔
山巅summit山巔
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 巅

What does 巅峰 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 巅

Make sure to maintain the high tone on the first syllable, pronounced as 'diān'.

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