altar

JLPT N5 7 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Understanding (tán)

The character primarily means "altar," referring to a raised platform used in religious or ceremonial contexts. It also appears in compounds and phrases related to forums or jars.

Common Uses

  1. Altar (): Used in religious or ritual settings, such as (altar) where offerings are made.
  2. Forum (论坛): In modern usage, appears in words like 论坛, meaning "forum" or "discussion board," especially online.
  3. Jar or Container (): Colloquially, refers to a large jar or container, often for storing food or liquids.

Collocations and Patterns

  • (jìtán): altar, used in religious ceremonies.
  • 论坛 (lùntán): forum, a place for discussion, especially online.
  • (tánzi): jar or pot, common in everyday speech.

Usage Notes

When you see in a word, consider the context: it might be literal (altar), figurative (forum), or a noun for a container. Avoid confusing with similar-sounding words that have different characters and meanings. In formal writing, is common for religious contexts, while 论坛 is frequent in technology and social media discussions.

Summary

is a versatile character with meanings ranging from sacred spaces to everyday objects and modern digital platforms. Recognizing its usage in compounds helps you understand and use it naturally.

Example Sentences

The altar was filled with fresh flowers and offerings.

He posted his opinions on the online forum.

This jar is used to store soy sauce.