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譚 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
譚tánsurnamezg, 19 strokes, radical 言
tán(tan2) T2
  1. 1surname
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March 24, 2026

譚tán(tan2)

譚 (tán) is primarily recognized as a Chinese surname. It is often used in formal contexts and can be found among various notable historical figures and contemporary individuals. Understanding this character is essential for recognizing it in names and genealogical references.

Strokes19Radical言
Cultural Note

The surname 譚 is associated with various historical figures in Chinese literature and politics, indicating its prominence in Chinese heritage. In modern times, you may encounter it in media or among influential personalities.

Memory Tip

Think of 譚 (tán) as a 'talking' name, where the left part 讠 (speech) implies communication. Imagine a person named 譚 telling fascinating stories, making the name memorable. The pronunciation 'tán' can be remembered by associating it with 'tan' as in a warm, conversational tone.

Meanings of 譚

tán(tan2)
1surname
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 譚

譚Simplified
19Strokes
言Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 譚

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Podcast: 譚

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AI Study Notes for 譚

Usage Notes

When using 譚 as a surname, it’s crucial to remember that it is typically written before the given name in Chinese culture. Common mistakes include mispronouncing the tone; ensure you use the second tone (tán) to avoid confusion with other characters. It's generally used in formal contexts.

HSK Study Tips

Although 譚 is not listed in the HSK levels, it is beneficial for students to recognize it as a surname, especially when learning about Chinese names and family structures. Students should focus on pronunciation and the context in which surnames are used.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 譚 with similarly pronounced characters, leading to incorrect meanings. For example, saying 譚 (tán) when they mean 谈 (tán, to talk) can create confusion. Always remember the context of usage.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 譚

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Jason Explains 譚 to You

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How Well Do You Know 譚?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 譚 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

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Etymology of 譚

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

speech

Semantic (meaning)言
+
Phonetic (sound)覃
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

譚 = 言 + 覃. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 譚

IDS Structure⿰言覃
譚Full Character
=
言yan2
left
覃Qin2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 譚?

How to say surname in Chinese

“surname” in Chinese is譚tán

譚 (tán) is primarily recognized as a Chinese surname. It is often used in formal contexts and can be found among various notable historical figures and contemporary individuals. Understanding this character is essential for recognizing it in names and genealogical references.

When to use 譚

When using 譚 as a surname, it’s crucial to remember that it is typically written before the given name in Chinese culture. Common mistakes include mispronouncing the tone; ensure you use the second tone (tán) to avoid confusion with other characters. It's generally used in formal contexts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 譚 with similarly pronounced characters, leading to incorrect meanings. For example, saying 譚 (tán) when they mean 谈 (tán, to talk) can create confusion. Always remember the context of usage.

Write 譚

譚

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

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Word Family of 譚

Words Containing This Character8
谭tánsurname Tan譚
天方夜谭The Arabian Nights (classic story)天方夜譚
谭咏麟Alan Tam (1950-), Hong Kong Canto-pop singer and actor譚詠麟
谭盾Tan Dun (1957-) Chinese composer譚盾
谭嗣同Tan Sitong (1865-1898), Qing writer and politician, one of the Six Gentlemen Martyrs 戊戌六君子 of the unsuccessful reform movement of 1898譚嗣同
谭震林Tan Zhenlin (1902-1983), PRC revolutionary and military leader, played political role after the Cultural Revolution譚震林
谭鑫培Tan Xinpei (1847-1917), noted opera actor譚鑫培
谭富英Tan Fuying (1906-1977), Beijing opera star, one of the Four great beards 四大鬚生|四大须生譚富英
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 譚

What does 天方夜谭 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 譚

It is primarily recognized as a surname in Chinese.

Jason Recommends

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