坛 (tán) - altar & platform

坛Tone 2

tán ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 土

树檀

坛 · tán

altar;

platform;

earthen jar;

forum;

used in names for ceremonial platforms and discussion venues.

altarplatformearthen jar

Usage highlights

altarforumpodiumearthen jarwine jarflower bed

Synonyms

  • 祭坛— altar (for sacrifices)
  • 论坛— forum, discussion platform
  • 坛子— earthen jar, crock

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient altar (祭坛) was used for sacrifices.
  • He spoke from the podium (讲坛).
  • This is a discussion forum (论坛) for students.
  • We keep pickles in an earthen jar (坛子).

Collocations

  • altar(祭坛)
  • forum(论坛)
  • podium(讲坛)
  • earthen jar(坛子)
  • wine jar(酒坛)
  • flower bed(花坛)

Idioms

  • To ascend the altar and take command(登坛拜将)
  • To establish oneself as a master(开宗立派, 另立坛坫)
  • The altar of literature(文坛)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically used for ceremonial altars in Chinese rituals, such as the Temple of Heaven (天坛) in Beijing.
  • In modern usage, extended to mean 'forum' or 'platform' for discussion, especially online.
  • Also refers to traditional earthenware jars used for storing food and wine.

FAQ