Definitions

sǎn (noun) umbrella; parasol

Etymology

Simplified form of . Pictograph of an umbrella.

About

The character for "umbrella", 伞, derives from a pictographic form depicting a canopy supported by a central shaft, a concept directly retained in its simplified structure. Its traditional form, 傘, compounds this idea by incorporating four instances of the component 人 (person) grouped under a covering radical, illustrating the object's purpose of providing shelter for multiple individuals. While the graphical representation shifted from a detailed pictogram to a more abstract outline, the character's primary meaning has remained focused on denoting a handheld device for protection against rain or sunlight.

Example Sentences Hide

出门记得带雨

Chūmén jìde dài yǔsǎn.

Remember to take an umbrella when you go out.

我的是蓝色的。

Wǒ de sǎn shì lán sè de.

My umbrella is blue.

太阳可以遮阳。

Tàiyángsǎn kěyǐ zhēyáng.

A sun umbrella can provide shade.

他买了一把新

Tā mǎile yī bǎ xīn sǎn.

He bought a new umbrella.

下雨了,快打开

Xià yǔ le, kuài dǎkāi sǎn.

It's raining, open your umbrella quickly.

这把折叠很方便携带。

Zhè bǎ zhédié sǎn hěn fāngbiàn xiédài.

This folding umbrella is very convenient to carry.

她总是把放在办公室。

Tā zǒngshì bǎ sǎn fàng zài bàngōngshì.

She always leaves her umbrella in the office.

突然刮起大风,把都吹坏了。

Tūrán guā qǐ dà fēng, bǎ sǎn dōu chuī huài le.

The wind suddenly picked up and damaged all the umbrellas.