Definition
盏 (zhǎn) is the specific classifier for lamps, lanterns, and other light sources (e.g., 一盏灯, 一盏灯笼). It is the only classifier used for these items; do not use 个 or 只. In classical/literary Chinese, 盏 also means 'small cup' (e.g., 一盏茶 'a cup of tea'), but this sense is rare in modern usage.
classifier
for lampslanternsand other light sources (also literary: small cup)
Easily confused
- 钱qiánlook-alikemoney
- 站zhànsound-alikestation (bus, train, etc.)
- 贱jiànlook-alike(adjective) cheap, inexpensive (of goods)
- 站zhànsound-alike(verb) to stand
- 浅qiǎnlook-alikeshallow (of depth)
- 占zhànsound-aliketo occupy, to take up (space, time, or a position)
- 线xiànlook-alikethread; string; wire; line
- 粘zhānsound-aliketo stick, to glue, to adhere
- 沾zhānsound-aliketo touch (and get something on), to come into contact with
- 斩zhǎnsound-aliketo behead (as capital punishment)
Examples
- 盏。Fángjiān lǐ yǒu sān zhǎn dēng.There are three lamps in the room.
- 盏。Tā diǎnrán le nà zhǎn dēnglóng.He lit that lantern.
- 盏。Zhè zhǎn táidēng de guāng hěn róuhé.The light of this desk lamp is very soft.
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