Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
案àn(an4)
The character 案 (àn) primarily refers to a legal case or incident, often used in contexts related to law and legal documents. It can also denote a table or a desk, indicating a surface where records or files are kept. The dual meanings reflect its use in both formal legal settings and everyday life.
Strokes10Radical木Frequency#908DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, legal proceedings are often formal and structured, with 案 being a key term in the judicial system. The character is also used in traditional Chinese furniture, emphasizing the importance of tables in social and business interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, sturdy table (the '案') where lawyers gather to discuss important cases (à). Picture the bench where judges sit, surrounded by files and records—this visual links the character's shape (木 for wood, suggesting a table) to its meaning.
Meanings of 案
àn(an4)
1(legal) case
2incident
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 案
案Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#908Frequency Rank
Podcast: 案
Podcast: 案
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 案
Quick Contrast
案 (àn) vs 例 (lì) — use 案 for legal cases or incidents, while 例 refers to examples or instances.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large, sturdy table (the '案') where lawyers gather to discuss important cases (à). Picture the bench where judges sit, surrounded by files and records—this visual links the character's shape (木 for wood, suggesting a table) to its meaning.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of using 案 in the correct context; it is often used in formal legal discussions rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '案件' (case) and '法律案件' (legal case). Remember, the tone is crucial as mispronouncing it may lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 案 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects well with other legal terms and vocabulary in advanced studies. Focus on understanding its usage in legal contexts and its role in compound words to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, legal proceedings are often formal and structured, with 案 being a key term in the judicial system. The character is also used in traditional Chinese furniture, emphasizing the importance of tables in social and business interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 案 with 案件, using it incorrectly in phrases like '我有一个案' instead of '我有一个案件' (I have a case). Ensure you use 案 in appropriate contexts related to law or as a table.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 案
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 案 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 案 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 案
案 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 6 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.
The matter was remitted to the justices for a rehearing.
Cultural Notes for 案
💡Did you know?
‘案’字的左边是‘木’字旁，表示与木材有关，这与古代用木材制作法庭桌子有关。
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, legal proceedings are often formal and structured, with 案 being a key term in the judicial system. The character is also used in traditional Chinese furniture, emphasizing the importance of tables in social and business interactions.
Word Family of 案
Words Containing This Character20
案ànincident
案子long table
方案fāngànplan
案件ànjiàncase
答案dá’ànanswer
档案dàng’ànfile檔案
草案cǎo’àndraft (legislation, proposal etc)
谋杀案murder case謀殺案
作案to commit a crime
案例ànlìcase (law)
提案proposal
图案tú’àndesign圖案
法案bill
办案to handle a case辦案
报案to report a case to the authorities報案
立案to register (to an official organism)
破案pò’ànto solve a case
结案to wind up結案
案发to occur (of a crime)案發
备案to file備案
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 案 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 案
Common phrases with 案 include '案件' (case), '案子' (case or matter), and '案发' (incident occurrence). These phrases are often used in legal discussions to refer to specific cases or incidents.
While 案 (àn) refers to a case or record, 案例 (ànlì) specifically means 'case example' or 'case study.' 案例 is often used in educational or analytical contexts to discuss specific instances of cases for learning or reference.
案 (àn) can refer to a legal case, an incident, or a record. It is commonly used in legal contexts to denote a case file or documentation related to legal matters. Additionally, it can also mean 'table' in certain contexts.
You can use 案 (àn) in a sentence by referring to a specific legal case, such as '这起案正在审理中' (This case is currently under trial). It can also be used in contexts like '案卷' (case file) to indicate documents related to legal proceedings.
Common phrases include '案件' (case) and '档案' (file or record).
Yes, while it is often used in legal contexts, it can also refer to tables or desks in casual settings.
While 案 refers specifically to cases or files, 记录 (jìlù) means 'record' in a broader sense.
