Definition
端 (duān) means to hold something level with both hands (e.g., a cup or bowl) — unlike 提 (tí), which means to carry hanging from one hand. Figuratively, 端 can mean 'to put forward' an idea, similar to 提出 (tíchū), but 端 is less formal and often implies presenting something directly.
verb
to hold (a cup, bowl, etc.) level with both handsto carry (in both hands)to put forward (an opinion or idea)
Easily confused
- 踹chuàilook-aliketo kick
- 段duànsound-alike(classifier) used for sections of time, text, road, or stages of a process; segment, paragraph, stretch
- 喘chuǎnlook-aliketo gasp for breath; to pant; to breathe heavily
- 短duǎnsound-alikeshort, brief
- 揣chuāilook-aliketo estimate; to guess; to surmise
- 断duànsound-aliketo break, to snap (physically)
Examples
- 端，。Tā shuāngshǒu duān zhe yì wǎn tāng, mànmàn de zǒu guòlái.He walked over slowly, holding a bowl of soup in both hands.
- ，端。Nǐ yǒu shénme xiǎngfǎ, dōu duān chūlái shuō ba.Whatever ideas you have, just put them forward and say them.
- 端。Fúwùyuán bǎ cài duān dào zhuōzi shàng.The waiter carried the dishes to the table.
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