磐 (pán) - Large rock & monolith

磐Tone 2

pán ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

磐 · pán

Large rock;

monolith;

foundation stone;

firm and stable.

Large rockmonolithfoundation stone

Usage highlights

Large rockFirm as a rockFoundation stoneRockMassive boulderStone mortar

Synonyms

  • 岩— rock, cliff
  • 石— stone
  • 础— foundation stone

Antonyms

  • 沙— sand (implying instability)
  • 尘— dust (implying fragility)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The mountain peak was like a massive rock (磐石).
  • His resolve was as firm as a rock (坚如磐石).
  • The foundation of the empire was secure (磐基).
  • The ancient stone was used for grinding (古磐).

Collocations

  • Large rock(磐石)
  • Firm as a rock(坚如磐石)
  • Foundation stone(磐基)
  • Rock-solid foundation(磐石之固)
  • Massive boulder(巨磐)
  • Stone mortar(石磐)

Idioms

  • As firm as a rock(坚如磐石)
  • Secure as a massive rock(安如磐石)
  • Rock-solid foundation(磐石之固)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, large rocks (磐石) symbolized stability, permanence, and unshakable foundation.
  • Used metaphorically to describe firm determination, stable governments, or secure relationships.
  • Appears in classical texts to represent enduring strength and reliability.

FAQ