簪 (zān) - Hairpin — an ornamental hair accessory used to

簪Tone 1

zān ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

悦丈

簪 · zān

Hairpin — an ornamental hair accessory used to fasten hair in traditional Chinese hairstyles, typically made of precious materials like jade, gold, or silver.

Hairpin — an ornamental hair accessory used to

Usage highlights

Jade hairpinGold hairpinSilver hairpinPhoenix hairpinDragon hairpinFlower hairpin

Synonyms

  • 钗— Hair clasp (two-pronged hairpin)
  • 笄— Ancient hairpin for coming-of-age ceremony

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She wore an exquisite jade hairpin (玉簪) in her bun.
  • The ancient hairpin (古代发簪) was discovered in the tomb.
  • This gold hairpin (金簪) is a family heirloom.
  • Hairpins were common accessories for women in imperial China (宫廷发簪).

Collocations

  • Jade hairpin(玉簪)
  • Gold hairpin(金簪)
  • Silver hairpin(银簪)
  • Phoenix hairpin(凤簪)
  • Dragon hairpin(龙簪)
  • Flower hairpin(花簪)

Idioms

  • Married and wearing hairpins(及笄之年)
  • Hairpin and skirt — referring to women(簪裙)
  • Broken hairpin — symbolizing separation(断簪)
  • Hairpin tassels swaying(簪缨摇曳)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Hairpins were essential accessories in traditional Chinese women's hairstyles, indicating social status and marital status.
  • The 'hairpin ceremony' (及笄) marked a girl's coming of age at 15 in ancient China.
  • Elaborate hairpins made of jade, gold, or pearls were worn by noblewomen and imperial consorts.
  • Hairpins often featured symbolic motifs like phoenixes, dragons, or flowers with auspicious meanings.

FAQ