About
The character 坦 is a phono-semantic compound, with the earth radical 土 on the left indicating its semantic connection to ground or terrain, and the phonetic component 旦 on the right. The radical 土 points to the literal meaning: a piece of land that is flat, level, and unobstructed. This geographical sense was later extended metaphorically to describe a person's disposition, leading to its common usage in terms like 坦率 (frank) and 坦然 (calm), conveying straightforwardness, honesty, and openness in character.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
坦白说，我需要帮助。
前方的道路非常平坦。
他是一个坦诚可靠的人。
一辆坦克停在广场上。
他坦然接受了这个结果。
两国领导人进行了坦诚的交流。
他们坦率地讨论了所有问题。
面对如此巨大的压力，他依然态度坦然。