Definitions

dàn (noun) bullet; shell
tán (verb) to pluck (a string); to play (a string instrument)
tán (verb) to spring; to leap
tán (adjective) elastic

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "弹" derives from its traditional form "彈", structured with the semantic component "弓" meaning bow and the phonetic component "單" providing pronunciation, originally encapsulating the concept of a bowstring's tension and release. This foundational notion broadened over time to encompass both the projectile launched, such as an arrow or later a bullet, and the action of propelling or plucking, as seen in the playing of string instruments or the bouncing of objects. The simplified form "弹" preserves the bow element while modifying the phonetic part, yet the character continues to carry its dual meanings, reflecting a historical shift from specific martial applications to a wider range of contexts involving controlled force and motion.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

钢琴很有趣。

Tán gāngqín hěn yǒuqù.

Playing the piano is very interesting.

我的玩具枪能发射子

Wǒ de wánjù qiāng néng fāshè zǐdàn.

My toy gun can fire bullets.

他在认真学习吉他。

Tā zài rènzhēn xuéxí tán jítā.

He is seriously learning to play the guitar.

这床垫的性非常好。

Zhè chuángdiàn de tánxìng fēicháng hǎo.

This mattress has excellent elasticity.

准确地击中了目标。

Zǐdàn zhǔnquè de jīzhòng le mùbiāo.

The bullet accurately hit the target.

她用巧妙的话术反驳了对方的劾。

Tā yòng qiǎomiào de huàshù fǎnbó le duìfāng de tánhé.

She refuted the opponent's impeachment with clever rhetoric.

这位钢琴家的演奏富有激情和性。

Zhè wèi gāngqínjiā de yǎnzòu fùyǒu jīqíng hé tánxìng.

This pianist's performance is full of passion and flexibility.

批评的言辞像子一样射向他。

Pīpíng de yáncí xiàng zǐdàn yíyàng shè xiàng tā.

The critical remarks shot towards him like bullets.