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March 24, 2026
坦tǎn(tan3)
The character 坦 (tǎn) primarily means 'flat' or 'level', often describing surfaces that are smooth or even. It can also be used to refer to being open-hearted or candid in communication. In conversational contexts, it is common to express feelings or thoughts in a straightforward manner using this word.
Strokes8Radical土Frequency#7632DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 坦诚 (open-hearted) is highly valued in personal relationships and business, where directness can foster trust and clarity. This contrasts with some cultures where indirect communication is preferred.
Memory Tip
Imagine a flat, smooth table (the form of 坦) where you can lay out all your thoughts openly. The top of the table represents the flatness, while the act of laying things out symbolizes being open-hearted. Visualize a friend sharing their feelings honestly across this table.
Meanings of 坦
tǎn(tan3)
1flat
2open-hearted
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 坦
坦Simplified
8Strokes
土Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7632Frequency Rank
Podcast: 坦
Podcast: 坦
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AI Study Notes for 坦
Quick Contrast
坦 (tǎn) vs 平 (píng) — use 坦 when emphasizing openness or candidness, while 平 focuses more on the flatness or evenness of a surface.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a flat, smooth table (the form of 坦) where you can lay out all your thoughts openly. The top of the table represents the flatness, while the act of laying things out symbolizes being open-hearted. Visualize a friend sharing their feelings honestly across this table.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone as 坦 is pronounced with a third tone, which can sometimes be mistaken for other characters. It is often used in phrases such as 坦诚 (tǎnchéng) meaning 'candid' or 'sincere'. Make sure to use it appropriately in informal discussions to express openness.
HSK Study Tips
While 坦 is not in the official HSK vocabulary list, it is related to other level-appropriate words like 平 (píng, flat) and 直 (zhí, straight). Students should focus on the usage of 坦 in idiomatic expressions to enhance their conversational fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 坦诚 (open-hearted) is highly valued in personal relationships and business, where directness can foster trust and clarity. This contrasts with some cultures where indirect communication is preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 坦 with similar-sounding characters like 谈 (tán, to talk) due to mispronunciation. Ensure you practice the correct third tone for 坦 to distinguish it clearly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 坦
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Grammar Patterns of 坦
坦 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 5 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.
Have the courage to be honest with yourself and about yourself.
8
那个自己坦白的瘾君子在13个月前被逮捕。
nà gè zì jǐ tǎn bái de yǐn jūn zǐ zài13 13 gè yuè qián bèi dài。
The self-confessed drug addict was arrested 13 months ago.
9
沃勒斯坦的作品可以细分成3个主要的主题。
wò lè sī tǎn de zuò pǐn kě yǐ xì fēn chéng3 3 gè zhǔ yào de zhǔ。
Wallerstein's work can be separated into three main component themes.
10
他的长相非常孩子气,显得性情很好且诚实坦率.
tā de cháng xiāng fēi cháng hái zǐ qì, , xiǎn dé xìng qíng hěn hǎo qiě chéng shí tǎn.
His classic boyish looks seemed to proclaim his good humour and openness.
Cultural Notes for 坦
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being 坦诚 (open-hearted) is highly valued in personal relationships and business, where directness can foster trust and clarity. This contrasts with some cultures where indirect communication is preferred.
Word Family of 坦
Words Containing This Character20
坦白tǎnbáihonest
巴基斯坦Pakistan
巴勒斯坦Palestine
坦克tǎnkètank (military vehicle) (loanword)
坦tǎnflat
坦诚tǎnchéngcandid坦誠
坦言to say candidly
坦然tǎnráncalm
坦率tǎnshuàiblunt
爱因斯坦Albert Einstein (1879-1955), German-born theoretical physicist愛因斯坦
哈萨克斯坦Kazakhstan哈薩克斯坦
平坦píngtǎnlevel
斯坦福Stanford (University)
斯坦利Stanley (name)
舒坦comfortable
乌兹别克斯坦Uzbekistan烏茲別克斯坦
坦承to confess
伊斯坦布尔Istanbul, Turkey伊斯坦布爾
坦荡magnanimous坦蕩
吉尔吉斯斯坦Kyrgyzstan吉爾吉斯斯坦
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 坦白 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 坦
Common phrases that include 坦 are 坦诚 (tǎn chéng), meaning 'sincere' or 'honest', and 坦然 (tǎn rán), which means 'calmly' or 'unperturbed'. These phrases often emphasize a sense of openness and honesty in communication.
You can use 坦 in various contexts, such as saying 坦率 (tǎn shuài) to mean 'frank' or 'candid'. For example, you might say '他很坦率' (Tā hěn tǎn shuài), which means 'He is very straightforward.' This showcases the character's meaning related to openness.
坦 (tǎn) means flat, level, or smooth. It can also refer to being open-hearted or straightforward in personality. This character is often used in contexts discussing surfaces or describing someone's demeanor.
You can say, '我想坦诚地跟你谈谈' (I want to talk to you candidly).
Yes, 坦诚 (tǎnchéng) means 'candid' or 'sincere'.
While it is generally informal, it can be used in formal contexts to convey sincerity.
