Definitions

chàn (verb) to tremble; to shiver; to shake; to vibrate

Etymology phono-semantic

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Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "颤", traditionally written as "顫", etymologically integrates the radical "頁" denoting the head with the component "亶" acting primarily as a phonetic indicator, originally conveying the specific concept of head tremors. Structural adjustments over time yielded a simplified form that preserves the head radical while modifying the phonetic element, yet the core meaning of trembling or shaking has persisted throughout its history. This meaning has gradually extended from literal physical quivering to encompass a range of analogous oscillations, including vocal vibrations and fluctuations in intensity, illustrating a semantic broadening that maintains its fundamental association with involuntary motion.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的手在抖。

Tā de shǒu zài chàndǒu.

His hand is trembling.

她声音抖地说话。

Tā shēngyīn chàndǒu de shuōhuà.

She spoke with a trembling voice.

寒冷让树枝动。

Hánlěng ràng shùzhī chàndòng.

The cold makes the branches quiver.

他激动得声音发

Tā jīdòng de shēngyīn fā chàn.

He was so excited that his voice trembled.

音乐中的音很动听。

Yīnyuè zhōng de chànyīn hěn dòngtīng.

The vibrato in the music is very pleasant.

恐惧使他全身抖。

Kǒngjù shǐ tā quánshēn chàndǒu.

Fear made his whole body tremble.

听到消息后,她不禁栗。

Tīng dào xiāoxi hòu, tā bùjīn chànlì.

After hearing the news, she couldn't help but shudder.

经济不稳定导致市场抖。

Jīngjì bù wěndìng dǎozhì shìchǎng chàndǒu.

Economic instability causes the market to tremble.