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沙滩 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
沙滩shātānbeachHSK 7, nr, rank #3913, Hard
沙滩shātānsandy shoreHSK 7, nr, rank #3913, Hard
shātān(sha1tan1) T1
  1. 1beach
  2. 2sandy shore
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March 24, 2026
沙滩(沙灘)shātān(sha1tan1)

沙滩 (shātān) refers to a beach or sandy shore, typically associated with leisure activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports. It conveys a sense of relaxation and enjoyment in a natural setting, often near the ocean or a lake.

Frequency#3913DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese coastal cities, beaches like those in Hainan are popular holiday destinations for families and young people, especially during the summer months. The concept of '沙滩' embodies leisure and socialization in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large, warm sandy beach where '沙' (shā) sounds like 'shah', as in 'shah of the sandy shore,' and '滩' (tān) resembles 'tanned,' as in your skin getting tanned while lying on the beach. Visualize lying back on the '沙滩' as the waves gently lap at your feet.

Meanings of 沙滩

shātān(sha1tan1)
1beach
2sandy shore
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 沙滩

沙滩Simplified
沙灘Traditional
Strokes
Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#3913Frequency Rank
Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 沙滩

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Podcast: 沙滩

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AI Study Notes for 沙滩

Quick Contrast

海滩 (hǎitān) — use 沙滩 for a sandy beach in general, while 海滩 specifically refers to a beach by the sea.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a large, warm sandy beach where '沙' (shā) sounds like 'shah', as in 'shah of the sandy shore,' and '滩' (tān) resembles 'tanned,' as in your skin getting tanned while lying on the beach. Visualize lying back on the '沙滩' as the waves gently lap at your feet.

Usage Notes

Be cautious about the tone of '沙' (first tone) and '滩' (first tone); both must be pronounced correctly to avoid confusion. '沙滩' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in travel and leisure discussions. Typical collocations include '去沙滩' (go to the beach) and '沙滩排球' (beach volleyball).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, '沙滩' connects with other level 5 vocabulary related to nature and travel, such as '海' (sea) and '岛' (island). Focus on understanding how to use '沙滩' in sentences about vacation plans and outdoor activities.

Cultural Note

In Chinese coastal cities, beaches like those in Hainan are popular holiday destinations for families and young people, especially during the summer months. The concept of '沙滩' embodies leisure and socialization in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '沙滩' with '沙发' (sofa), as they sound similar but have very different meanings. Remember, '沙滩' is for beaches, while '沙发' is for furniture.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 沙滩

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Component Characters

Shāgranule
7 strokes
View full entry
tānbeach
13 strokes
View full entry

Write 沙滩

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

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Grammar Patterns of 沙滩

沙滩 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

Complete the Sentence

这艘船停靠在细____上。

The ship has come to rest on the fine sand.

Example Sentences for 沙滩 (10)

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1
这艘船停靠在细沙滩上。

zhè sōu chuán tíng kào zài xì shā tān shàng。

The ship has come to rest on the fine sand.
2
附近有一片白色沙滩,是沐日光浴的绝佳场所。

fù jìn yǒu yī piàn bái sè shā tān, , shì mù rì guāng yù de jué jiā cháng。

Nearby there is a stretch of white sand beach perfect for sunbathing.
3
伊萨的白色沙滩帽在刺眼的阳光下闪闪发亮。

yī sà de bái sè shā tān mào zài cì yǎn de yáng guāng xià shǎn shǎn fā liàng。

Issa's white beach hat gleamed in the harsh lights.
4
女孩子们拿着桶和铲子在沙滩上快活地玩耍。

nǚ hái zǐ mén ná zháo tǒng hé chǎn zǐ zài shā tān shàng kuài huó dì wán shuǎ。

The girls happily played in the sand with buckets and spades.
5
海滩上的游客投诉有人在沙滩上遛狗。

hǎi tān shàng de yóu kè tóu sù yǒu rén zài shā tān shàng liù gǒu。

Beach users have complained about people walking their dogs on the sand.
6
他们带着桶和铲子在沙滩上玩。

tā mén dài zháo tǒng hé chǎn zǐ zài shā tān shàng wán。

They were playing on the beach with their buckets and spades .
7
他躺在沙滩上用手筛砂子玩.

tā tǎng zài shā tān shàng yòng shǒu shāi shā zǐ wán.

He lay on the beach, sifting the sand through his fingers.
8
在冬天的天空下,他久久而孤独地在阴沈的沙滩上走了很久.

zài dōng tiān de tiān kōng xià, , tā jiǔ jiǔ ér gū dú dì zài yīn shěn de shā tān shàng zǒu le hěn.

Long and lonely he pace the dreary beach beneath a wintry sky.
9
南希抓住了自己沙滩包的带子。

nán xī zhuā zhù le zì jǐ shā tān bāo de dài zǐ。

Nancy gripped the strap of her beach bag.
10
这男孩精疲力竭, 又饥又渴, 倒在海边的沙滩上.

zhè nán hái jīng pí lì jié, , yòu jī yòu, kě , dǎo zài hǎi biān de shā.

The boy, tired, hungry and thirsty, fell down on the beach.

Cultural Notes for 沙滩

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese coastal cities, beaches like those in Hainan are popular holiday destinations for families and young people, especially during the summer months. The concept of '沙滩' embodies leisure and socialization in Chinese culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about 沙滩

'沙滩' specifically means a beach or sandy shore where people often go for leisure activities.