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March 24, 2026
端duān(duan1)
The character 端 (duān) primarily means 'end' or 'extremity,' often used in contexts referring to the edges of objects or concepts. It can also imply carrying something with both hands in a level position, suggesting care or balance. Additionally, 端 can denote a port or item, reflecting its versatility in both physical and abstract expressions.
Strokes14Radical立Frequency#3547DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) is a significant holiday, where 端 plays a crucial role in its name. It reflects the importance of traditional customs and the connection to the agricultural calendar.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are holding a delicate dish at both ends (端) with both hands, ensuring it stays level and balanced. The character has a 'head' (the top stroke) and a 'base' (the bottom), symbolizing stability and the idea of holding something steady.
Meanings of 端
duān(duan1)
1end
2extremity
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 端
端Simplified
14Strokes
立Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3547Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 端
Podcast: 端
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AI Study Notes for 端
Quick Contrast
端 (duān) vs 边 (biān) — choose 端 when emphasizing the end or extremity of an object, while 边 refers to the side or border.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine you are holding a delicate dish at both ends (端) with both hands, ensuring it stays level and balanced. The character has a 'head' (the top stroke) and a 'base' (the bottom), symbolizing stability and the idea of holding something steady.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 端 with similar-sounding words. It's typically used in formal contexts, so ensure you match the tone of your conversation. Common collocations include '端正' (duānzhèng - upright) and '端午' (Duānwǔ - Dragon Boat Festival), where the character reflects specific meanings and cultural significance.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 端 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to precision and balance, such as '稳定' (wěndìng - stable) and '极端' (jíduān - extreme). Students should focus on its nuanced meanings and different contexts to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) is a significant holiday, where 端 plays a crucial role in its name. It reflects the importance of traditional customs and the connection to the agricultural calendar.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 端 in informal settings, thinking it can replace simpler terms. For example, saying '我端去商店' (I carry to the store) instead of using a more appropriate verb like '拿' (ná - to take). Always ensure you understand the context in which 端 is used.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 端
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Grammar Patterns of 端
端 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 11 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.
mǎ kè yī shēng bù xiǎng dì gěi tā mén měi rén dǎo hǎo yǐn liào bìng duān shàng lái。
Quietly Mark poured and served drinks for all of them.
Cultural Notes for 端
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) is a significant holiday, where 端 plays a crucial role in its name. It reflects the importance of traditional customs and the connection to the agricultural calendar.
Word Family of 端
Words Containing This Character20
端duānend
极端jíduānextreme極端
终端end終端
开端start開端
顶端summit頂端
争端zhēngduāndispute爭端
末端tip
尖端jiānduānthe tip
前端front
端正duānzhèngupright
弊端bìduānabuse
无端for no reason at all無端
端庄dignified端莊
端口port
两端two extremes兩端
事端disturbance
端倪boundary
异端heresy異端
南端southern end or extremity
云端fig. high in the clouds雲端
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 端 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 端
Some common phrases include '端正' (to straighten up) and '端午' (Dragon Boat Festival), which represent the character's diverse applications.
While 端 can be used in both contexts, it is more common in formal situations, especially when discussing concepts of balance or extremity.
Yes, 端 can refer to physical ends or extremities, but it can also imply the action of holding something level or the notion of a starting point.
