籫 (zuǎn) - Hairpin & an ancient hair ornament used to fasten hair

籫Tone 3

zuǎn ｜ 25 strokes ｜ radical:

志

籫 · zuǎn

Hairpin;

an ancient hair ornament used to fasten hair in a bun or topknot.

Hairpinan ancient hair ornament used to fasten hair

Usage highlights

Jade hairpinGold hairpinSilver hairpinHairpin and hair claspAncient hairpinHairpin accessory

Synonyms

  • 簪— hairpin (more common variant)
  • 钗— hair clasp with two prongs
  • 笄— hairpin for coming-of-age ceremony

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She wore an elegant jade hairpin (玉籫).
  • The ancient hair accessory was called a zan (籫子).
  • Archaeologists found a bronze hairpin (青铜籫) in the tomb.
  • Traditional hairstyles often required hairpins (发籫).

Collocations

  • Jade hairpin(玉籫)
  • Gold hairpin(金籫)
  • Silver hairpin(银籫)
  • Hairpin and hair clasp(籫珥)
  • Ancient hairpin(古籫)
  • Hairpin accessory(籫饰)

Idioms

  • To break the hairpin and discard the jewelry(折籫弃珥)
  • Hairpin and skirt, women's attire(籫裙)
  • Hairpin tassel, elegant ornament(籫缨)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 籫 was an essential hair accessory in ancient China, particularly during the Han and Tang dynasties.
  • Hairpins were not just practical but also status symbols, made from various materials including jade, gold, silver, and bone.
  • The style and material of hairpins indicated social status and wealth in traditional Chinese society.
  • Hairpins were often given as gifts and passed down through generations as family heirlooms.

FAQ