(duān) — to hold (a cup, bowl, etc.) level with both hands; to carry (in both hands); to put forward (an opinion or idea)

Definition

As a verb, 端 (duān) means to carry something level with both hands (often a bowl or tray) or to put forward an idea. For 'put forward an opinion/idea', 提出 is the more common everyday phrase.

verb
to hold (a cup, bowl, etc.) level with both handsto carry (in both hands)to put forward (an opinion or idea)

Examples

  • Tā shuāng shǒu duān zhe yì wǎn tāng, màn màn dì zǒu guò lái.
    He walked over slowly, holding a bowl of soup in both hands.
  • Nǐ yǒu shén me xiǎng fǎ, dōu duān chū lái shuō ba.
    Whatever ideas you have, just put them forward and say them.
  • Fú wù yuán bǎ cài duān dào zhuō zi shàng.
    The waiter carried the dishes to the table.

Origin

Sound + meaning
六书liùshū
形声xíngshēng

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
Sound part声符shēngfú
zhuānduān
Same sound today

端 is made by putting 立 beside 耑. The 立 part is connected to the meaning, and 耑 gives the sound.

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