Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
档案 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
档案dàng’ànfileHSK 6, n, rank #1708, Hard
档案dàng’ànrecordHSK 6, n, rank #1708, Hard
档案dàng’ànarchiveHSK 6, n, rank #1708, Hard
dàng’àn(dang4an4) T4
  1. 1file
  2. 2record
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
档案(檔案)dàng’àn(dang4an4)

档案 (dàng àn) refers to a file, record, or archive that contains important information or documents. It is commonly used in administrative, legal, and academic contexts, where proper documentation and record-keeping are crucial.

Frequency#1708DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese bureaucratic culture, maintaining accurate 档案 (dàng àn) is essential for governance and accountability, reflecting the importance of record-keeping in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '档' (dàng) as a tall office folder filled with valuable '案' (àn) documents. The structure of the character resembles a folder holding files, helping you visualize the concept of an archive filled with records.

Meanings of 档案

dàng’àn(dang4an4)
1file
2record
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 档案

档案Simplified
檔案Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1708Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 档案

JasonAmy

Podcast: 档案

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 档案

Quick Contrast

档案 (dàng'àn) vs 记录 (jìlù) — use 档案 for formal files or archives, while 记录 refers to informal notes or records.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a '档' (dàng) as a tall office folder filled with valuable '案' (àn) documents. The structure of the character resembles a folder holding files, helping you visualize the concept of an archive filled with records.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 档案 (dàng àn), as mispronunciation can change the meaning. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as government or corporate settings, and is often paired with words like '管理' (guǎnlǐ - management) or '保存' (bǎocún - preservation).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 档案 connects to concepts of organization and documentation found in other advanced vocabulary. Focus on using it in longer phrases or sentences to enhance fluency and context understanding.

Cultural Note

In Chinese bureaucratic culture, maintaining accurate 档案 (dàng àn) is essential for governance and accountability, reflecting the importance of record-keeping in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 档案 (dàng àn) with 资料 (zīliào), which means information or materials. A common mistake is saying '我需要资料' (wǒ xūyào zīliào) when they actually mean '档案' for specific records.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 档案

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 档案 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

档dǎngofficial records
HSK 610 strokes木
View full entry
案àn(legal) case
10 strokes木
View full entry

Write 档案

档
案

Practice writing 档案 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 档案

档案 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 3 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

这张照片在____室中藏了40多年。

The picture lay hidden in the archives for over 40 years.

Example Sentences for 档案 (6)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这张照片在档案室中藏了40多年。

zhè zhāng zhào piàn zài dàng àn shì zhōng cáng le40 40 duō。

The picture lay hidden in the archives for over 40 years.
2
这是她记录的档案中最严重的案例之一。

zhè shì tā jì lù de dàng àn zhōng zuì yán zhòng de àn lì zhī yī。

It is one of the most desperate cases on her files.
3
样本选自两个全科诊所的病历档案。

yàng běn xuǎn zì liǎng gè quán kē zhěn suǒ de bìng lì dàng àn。

The sample was selected from the medical records of two general practices.
4
该协会的档案对学者来说简直是宝藏。

gāi xié huì de dàng àn duì xué zhě lái shuō jiǎn zhí shì bǎo cáng。

The society's archives are a treasure trove for scholars.
5
我在人事档案里找到了你的地址。

wǒ zài rén shì dàng àn lǐ zhǎo dào le nǐ de dì zhǐ。

I looked your address up in the personnel file.
6
这个存量巨大的档案室的所有文件都已编了索引，可供研究人员使用。

zhè gè cún liáng jù dà de dàng àn shì de suǒ yǒu wén jiàn dū yǐ biān le suǒ yǐn， ， kě gōng yán jiū rén yuán shǐ。

This vast archive has been indexed and made accessible to researchers.

Cultural Notes for 档案

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese bureaucratic culture, maintaining accurate 档案 (dàng àn) is essential for governance and accountability, reflecting the importance of record-keeping in Chinese society.

Frequently Asked Questions about 档案

档案 refers specifically to archived records or files, often with legal or historical significance, while 文件 (wénjiàn) generally means document or file without the implied permanence.