Definition
安 (ān) is a versatile character meaning 'calm, safe, peaceful' as an adjective, but it's usually a bound form in compounds like 安全 (ānquán) and 平安 (píng'ān). As a verb, it means 'to install' (e.g., 安装) or 'to calm' (e.g., 安慰). Compared to 安全 (general safety) and 平安 (safe journey/outcome), 安 alone is less common as a standalone word.
adjective
calmpeacefulsafesecure
verb
to calmto reassureto installto fit
Easily confused
- 姜jiānglook-alikeginger
- 按ànsound-alike(verb) to press, to push (with hand or finger)
- 定dìnglook-aliketo set, to determine, to fix (a time, plan, rule, etc.)
- 暗ànsound-alikedark (lacking light)
- 岸ànsound-alikeshore, coast, bank (of a river, sea, or lake)
Examples
- ，。Nǐ ān xīn ba, wǒ hěn kuài jiù dào.Don't worry, I'll be there soon.
- 。Shīfu zhèngzài ān zhuāng xīn de rèshuǐqì.The master is installing a new water heater.
- ，。Zhù nǐ yílù píng ān, wànshì rúyì.Wish you a safe journey and all the best.
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