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March 24, 2026
篆zhuàn(zhuan4)
The character 篆 (zhuàn) refers to a type of ancient Chinese script known as seal script, which is characterized by its intricate and stylized forms. It is commonly used for inscriptions on seals or stamps and represents a significant aspect of Chinese calligraphy and historical documentation.
Strokes15Radical⺮DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Seal script is not only a writing form but also an art form in Chinese culture, often used in official seals that symbolize authority and authenticity. Many artists and scholars continue to practice this style as a way of connecting with historical traditions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a seal (篆) made from a piece of bamboo (竹) and surrounded by intricate carvings. The character's top part resembles a roof, protecting the valuable script beneath, while the bottom part suggests a stamp being pressed down, sealing the document.
Meanings of 篆
zhuàn(zhuan4)
1seal script; seal, stamp
2seal (of office)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 篆
篆Simplified
15Strokes
⺮Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 篆
Podcast: 篆
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AI Study Notes for 篆
Usage Notes
This character is often used in formal contexts related to calligraphy and historical texts. Be careful not to confuse it with more modern script forms like 楷书 (kǎishū). A common collocation is '篆刻' (zhuànkè), meaning seal carving.
HSK Study Tips
Although 篆 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding it can enhance your appreciation of Chinese writing styles. Focus on related terms and characters like 印 (yìn, meaning 'seal') and 书法 (shūfǎ, meaning 'calligraphy') to deepen your knowledge.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 篆 with other script styles; for example, saying '我喜欢篆书' (wǒ xǐhuan zhuànshū, 'I like seal writing') when they mean 楷书. Remember that 篆 specifically refers to the seal script, not just any writing style.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 篆
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Etymology of 篆
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
篆 = ⺮ + 彖. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 篆
IDS Structure⿱⺮彖
篆Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
彖tuan4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 篆?
How to say seal script; seal, stamp in Chinese
“seal script; seal, stamp” in Chinese is篆zhuàn
The character 篆 (zhuàn) refers to a type of ancient Chinese script known as seal script, which is characterized by its intricate and stylized forms. It is commonly used for inscriptions on seals or stamps and represents a significant aspect of Chinese calligraphy and historical documentation.
When to use 篆
This character is often used in formal contexts related to calligraphy and historical texts. Be careful not to confuse it with more modern script forms like 楷书 (kǎishū). A common collocation is '篆刻' (zhuànkè), meaning seal carving.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 篆 with other script styles; for example, saying '我喜欢篆书' (wǒ xǐhuan zhuànshū, 'I like seal writing') when they mean 楷书. Remember that 篆 specifically refers to the seal script, not just any writing style.
Write 篆
篆
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Word Family of 篆
Words Containing This Character7
篆zhuànseal (of office)
篆刻carving a seal
小篆the small or lesser seal, the form of Chinese character standardized by the Qin dynasty
篆书seal script (Chinese calligraphic style)篆書
大篆the great seal
鸟篆bird characters (a decorated form of the Great Seal)鳥篆
雕虫篆刻literary trifles雕蟲篆刻
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 篆
What does 篆刻 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 篆
篆 (zhuàn) is an ancient script with ornate designs, while 楷书 (kǎishū) is a more modern, standardized script used for everyday writing.
Today, seal script is primarily used in art, calligraphy, and for creating personalized seals for official documents or artworks.
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