About
The character "坦" derives from the concept of flat terrain, formed by the earth radical "土" combined with "旦", which primarily functioned as a phonetic element. Its early meanings centered on physical levelness, as in "平坦" for flat ground, but over centuries its usage broadened to describe metaphorical openness and straightforwardness in human behavior, evident in compounds like "坦然" for composure and "坦白" for frankness. The structural integrity of the character has been maintained, with its semantic expansion reflecting a transition from tangible attributes to abstract personal qualities.
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。