Learn Chinese Characters

Meaning

meditation; abstraction; (Zen) Buddhism; abdicate

Hear the Four Tones

The same syllable “chan” becomes a different word in each tone. 禅 is the 2nd tone. Tap any tone to hear a native voice and see its pitch shape.

Stroke Order

Tap Animate to watch the strokes in order, or Practice to trace it yourself.

Common Words

  • 禅杖chán zhàngthe staff of a Buddhist monk
  • 禅机chán jīBuddhist allegorical word or gesture; subtleties of Buddhist doctrine
  • 禅位shàn wèito abdicate (as king)
  • 打禅dǎ chánto meditate (of Buddhist)
  • 受禅shòu shànto accept abdication

Example Sentence

这座古寺是一座有名的禅院。Zhè zuò gǔ sì shì yí zuò yǒu míng de chán yuàn.This ancient temple is a famous Zen monastery.

ZhèthiszuòseatancientBuddhist templeshìisonezuòseat有名yǒu míngfamousdeof禅院chán yuànBuddhist hall