檀 (tán) - Sandalwood — a type of fragrant hardwood tree & also refers to purple sandalwood

檀Tone 2

tán ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

橙安

檀 · tán

Sandalwood — a type of fragrant hardwood tree;

also refers to purple sandalwood;

used metaphorically for something precious or elegant.

Sandalwood — a type of fragrant hardwood treealso refers to purple sandalwoodused metaphorically for something precious or elegant.

Usage highlights

SandalwoodPurple sandalwoodSandalwood fanSandalwood treeSandalwood gateSandalwood instrument

Synonyms

  • 檀香— sandalwood (fragrant wood)
  • 紫檀— purple sandalwood (precious variety)
  • 香木— fragrant wood (general term)

Antonyms

  • 朽木— rotten wood (worthless material)
  • 杂草— weeds (common, undesirable plants)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sandalwood fan emits a pleasant fragrance (檀香扇).
  • This furniture is made of purple sandalwood (紫檀家具).
  • She plays the tanpura, a stringed instrument (檀板).
  • The ancient temple gate was made of sandalwood (檀门).

Collocations

  • Sandalwood(檀香)
  • Purple sandalwood(紫檀)
  • Sandalwood fan(檀香扇)
  • Sandalwood tree(檀木)
  • Sandalwood gate(檀门)
  • Sandalwood instrument(檀板)

Idioms

  • Fragrant as sandalwood(檀香四溢)
  • Purple sandalwood throne(紫檀宝座)
  • Sandalwood and jade(檀玉之交)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Sandalwood has been highly valued in Chinese culture for its fragrance and durability, used in fine furniture, carvings, and religious artifacts.
  • In Buddhism, sandalwood is considered sacred and is used for incense, prayer beads, and temple construction.
  • The character appears in classical poetry and literature as a symbol of elegance, refinement, and preciousness.

FAQ