奠 (diàn) - To establish & to lay a foundation

奠Tone 4

diàn ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

奠 · diàn

To establish;

to lay a foundation;

to settle;

to fix;

to make offerings to the dead;

to pour a libation.

To establishto lay a foundationto settle

Usage highlights

Establish a foundationFound a capitalPour a libationFuneral ceremonySacrificial ritesEstablish a nation

Synonyms

  • 立— to establish; to set up
  • 建— to build; to establish
  • 设— to set up; to establish

Antonyms

  • 毁— to destroy; to ruin
  • 废— to abolish; to discard

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • To lay a foundation(奠定基础)
  • To establish a state(奠都)
  • To make a sacrificial offering(奠酒)
  • Funeral rites(祭奠)

Collocations

  • Establish a foundation(奠定)
  • Found a capital(奠都)
  • Pour a libation(奠酒)
  • Funeral ceremony(祭奠)
  • Sacrificial rites(奠仪)
  • Establish a nation(奠国)

Idioms

  • To lay a solid foundation(奠定基础)
  • To establish a capital city(奠都定鼎)
  • To perform funeral rites(祭奠亡灵)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted pouring wine as a sacrificial offering in ancient rituals.
  • Used in ceremonies for establishing important institutions or foundations.
  • Commonly appears in funeral and memorial contexts in traditional Chinese culture.

FAQ