端 (duān) - End, extremity & beginning

端Tone 1

duān ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

丁恩

端 · duān

End, extremity;

beginning;

upright, proper;

to hold level;

a point, aspect;

surname.

End, extremitybeginningupright, proper

Usage highlights

UprightStarting pointExtremitySolemnVarious aspectsTo hold level

Synonyms

  • 正— upright, correct
  • 直— straight, honest
  • 始— beginning, start

Antonyms

  • 歪— crooked, slanted
  • 邪— evil, wicked
  • 末— end, final (as opposed to beginning)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please sit upright (端坐).
  • This is the starting point (开端).
  • There are various aspects to this issue (问题的诸多端倪).
  • He is an honest and upright person (品行端正).

Collocations

  • Upright(端正)
  • Starting point(开端)
  • Extremity(末端)
  • Solemn(端庄)
  • Various aspects(多端)
  • To hold level(端平)

Idioms

  • To change one's attitude completely(一反常态，汉语成语)
  • To be proper in speech and demeanor(举止端方)
  • To be of irreproachable character(品行端方)
  • To be meticulous to the extreme(端端正正)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian thought, '端' represents moral uprightness and proper conduct.
  • The character embodies the ideal of balance and correctness in traditional Chinese philosophy.
  • Used in naming to convey dignity, propriety, and moral integrity.

FAQ