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March 24, 2026
平坦píngtǎn(ping2tan3)
平坦 (píng tǎn) describes a surface that is level, even, or smooth, often used to refer to terrain or physical surfaces. In contexts like geography or architecture, it conveys the idea of uniformity and lack of obstacles, which can be important for construction or travel.
Frequency#20779DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
平坦 is often associated with the concept of stability in Chinese culture, especially regarding land and property. A flat and even landscape is seen as auspicious for agriculture and urban development.
Memory Tip
Imagine a perfectly flat table where you can roll a marble without it stopping. The character 平 (píng) looks like a level line, and 坦 (tǎn) resembles a flat surface. Combine these images to remember that 平坦 means 'flat' or 'level.'
Meanings of 平坦
píngtǎn(ping2tan3)
1level
2even
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About 平坦
平坦Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#20779Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 平坦
Podcast: 平坦
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AI Study Notes for 平坦
Quick Contrast
平滑 (pínghuá) refers specifically to a smooth surface texture, while 平坦 (píngtǎn) emphasizes being level or even in elevation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a perfectly flat table where you can roll a marble without it stopping. The character 平 (píng) looks like a level line, and 坦 (tǎn) resembles a flat surface. Combine these images to remember that 平坦 means 'flat' or 'level.'
Usage Notes
平坦 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful not to confuse it with similar words like '平滑' (píng huá), which means 'smooth.' Common collocations include '平坦的道路' (level road) and '平坦的表面' (flat surface). Pay attention to tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 平坦 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to geography and property descriptions. Students should focus on using it in descriptive phrases and practice its pronunciation to ensure clarity in communication.
Cultural Note
平坦 is often associated with the concept of stability in Chinese culture, especially regarding land and property. A flat and even landscape is seen as auspicious for agriculture and urban development.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 平坦 with similar terms like '平滑' (píng huá). For example, saying '这条路很平滑' (This road is very smooth) when they mean it is flat. The correct term for a flat road is 平坦: '这条路很平坦' (This road is very flat).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 平坦
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Grammar Patterns of 平坦
平坦 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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.
Double pink large star. Medium green, plain, ovate. Large.
5
这一带地形平坦而多沼泽,再往远去地势隆起,形成矮山陵地.
zhè yī dài dì xíng píng tǎn ér duō zhǎo zé, , zài wǎng yuǎn qù dì shì lóng, qǐ , xíng chéng ǎi shān.
The land is flat and marshy before rising to a spine of low hills.
6
县内高等级公路平坦宽阔, 四通八达.
xiàn nèi gāo děng jí gōng lù píng tǎn kuān kuò, , sì tōng bā.
High grade highways are smooth and wide, and extend in all directions.
Cultural Notes for 平坦
🏮Cultural insight
平坦 is often associated with the concept of stability in Chinese culture, especially regarding land and property. A flat and even landscape is seen as auspicious for agriculture and urban development.
Frequently Asked Questions about 平坦
No, 平坦 is primarily used for physical surfaces or terrain. For emotional states, you might use words like '平静' (píng jìng) for calm.
While it is commonly used for geographical contexts, it can also describe smooth surfaces in other areas, such as objects or materials.
平坦 refers to a flat or level surface, while 平滑 emphasizes smoothness or lack of roughness.
