坦

tǎn

土 + 旦

Definitions

tǎn (adjective) open-hearted; frank

tǎn (adjective) flat; level; smooth

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 土 represents the meaning and 旦 represents the sound.

Semantic: 土 Phonetic: 旦

About

坦 is a phono-semantic compound formed with 土 (earth) on the left, indicating the meaning of ground or terrain, and 旦 on the right, giving the sound. It literally describes land that is flat, level, and clear of obstacles. This concrete meaning later came to describe a person's temperament: straightforward, honest, and at ease.

Etymology Hide

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

坦白说，我需要帮助。

Tǎn bái shuō, wǒ xūyào bāngzhù.

Frankly speaking, I need help.

前方的道路非常平坦。

Qiánfāng de dàolù fēicháng píngtǎn.

The road ahead is very smooth and level.

他是一个坦诚可靠的人。

Tā shì yīgè tǎnchéng kěkào de rén.

He is an honest and reliable person.

一辆坦克停在广场上。

Yī liàng tǎnkè tíng zài guǎngchǎng shàng.

A tank is parked on the square.

他坦然接受了这个结果。

Tā tǎnrán jiēshòu le zhège jiéguǒ.

He calmly accepted this outcome.

两国领导人进行了坦诚的交流。

Liǎng guó lǐngdǎo rén jìnxíngle tǎnchéng de jiāoliú.

The leaders of the two countries had a frank exchange.

他们坦率地讨论了所有问题。

Tāmen tǎnshuài de tǎolùnle suǒyǒu wèntí.

They discussed all issues frankly.

面对如此巨大的压力，他依然态度坦然。

Miànduì rúcǐ jùdà de yālì, tā yīrán tàidu tǎnrán.

Facing such immense pressure, he still maintained a calm attitude.

Related Characters

Component: 土

Component: 旦

坦