About
The character "坛" in its modern simplified form represents a merger of two distinct traditional characters, each with its own history. The first, 壇, is composed of the earth radical (土) combined with a component indicating its original meaning of an earthen platform constructed for ceremonial purposes, such as rituals or declarations. Over centuries, its meaning broadened from this specific physical structure to encompass any raised area for formal activities, like an altar or a speaker's platform. The second, 壜, also features the earth radical but signifies an earthenware vessel or jar, specifically one used for storage. The contemporary form "坛" simplifies both these characters, utilizing the earth radical with 云 as a simpler phonetic component, thereby inheriting the dual meanings of a ritual platform and a type of jar, which are distinguished entirely by context.
Example Sentences Hide
公园里有一个美丽的花坛。
他在论坛上发表了意见。
天坛是北京的著名景点。
这个祭坛的历史很悠久。
她负责管理公司的论坛板块。
我们在花坛周围种了许多花草。
互联网论坛促进了信息的交流。
考古学家发现了古代祭祀用的祭坛。