Definitions

tán (noun) deep pool; pond
tán (noun) depression; pit

Etymology phono-semantic

water

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "潭" is structured from the water radical (氵) combined with the phonetic and semantic component "覃", which historically conveys a sense of depth or extension, thus originally denoting a deep pool or a still, profound body of water. Its core meaning has remained consistently tied to this aquatic sense of a deep pond or abyss. Over time, in classical literary usage, this concrete meaning of physical depth was extended metaphorically, allowing "潭" to describe anything of profound depth or to serve as an elegant synonym for a dwelling or abode, as seen in the compound "潭府". The traditional form of the character maintains this original composition, while the simplified form retains the same structural relationship between its components.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
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

这个小很清澈。

Zhè gè xiǎo tán hěn qīngchè.

This small pool is very clear.

里有很多鱼。

Shuǐ tán lǐ yǒu hěnduō yú.

There are many fish in the water pool.

我们在边野餐。

Wǒmen zài tán biān yěcān.

We had a picnic by the pool.

水的颜色是碧绿的。

Tán shuǐ de yánsè shì bìlǜ de.

The color of the pool water is emerald green.

他不小心掉进了泥

Tā bù xiǎoxīn diào jìn le ní tán.

He accidentally fell into the mud pit.

这个深据说有怪物。

Zhè gè shēn tán jùshuō yǒu guàiwu.

This deep pool is said to have monsters.

探险队计划潜入底调查。

Tànxiǎn duì jìhuà qián rù tán dǐ diàochá.

The expedition team plans to dive into the bottom of the pool for investigation.

由于暴雨,山上的水泛滥成灾。

Yóuyú bàoyǔ, shān shàng de tán shuǐ fànlàn chéng zāi.

Due to the heavy rain, the pool water on the mountain flooded and caused a disaster.