Definition
摊 (tān) as a verb means to spread out or lay flat (e.g., books on a table), focusing on the physical act of opening or arranging items on a surface. It is more concrete than 展开 (zhǎn kāi), which also means 'unfold' but extends to abstract activities and projects. 摊 is also a classifier for puddles of liquid (一摊水), a unique sense not shared by its synonyms.
verb
to spread outto unfold
noun
vendor's standstall
classifier
for a puddlepoolor spread of liquid
Easily confused
- 瘫tānlook-aliketo be paralyzed (of a body part)
- 谈tánsound-aliketo talk; to discuss
- 推tuīlook-aliketo push
- 探tànsound-aliketo explore; to scout; to reconnoiter
- 难nánlook-alikedifficult, hard (to do)
- 弹tánsound-aliketo play (a stringed or keyboard instrument) by pressing or plucking
- 痰tánsound-alikephlegm
- 贪tānsound-alike(verb) to covet, to be greedy for (e.g., money, pleasure)
- 炭tànsound-alikecharcoal (wood charcoal)
- 坛tánsound-alike(noun) platform, rostrum, podium
Examples
- 摊。Tā bǎ shū tān zài zhuōzi shàng.He spread the books out on the table.
- 。Zhège shuǐguǒ tān de shuǐguǒ hěn xīnxiān.The fruit at this fruit stand is very fresh.
- 摊。Dì shàng yǒu yì tān shuǐ.There is a puddle of water on the floor.
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