翰 (hàn) - Writing brush & writing

翰Tone 4

hàn ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

翰 · hàn

Writing brush;

writing;

literary talent;

also refers to feathers or wings in classical usage.

Writing brushwritingliterary talent

Usage highlights

Writing brush and inkOfficial documentLiterary talentBrush writingImperial secretaryFeathers

Synonyms

  • 笔— writing brush
  • 文— literature, writing
  • 书— writing, calligraphy

Antonyms

  • 武— martial, military (opposite of literary)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is skilled with the writing brush (翰墨).
  • This is an official document (翰札).
  • She has great literary talent (文翰).
  • The bird preened its feathers (翰毛).

Collocations

  • Writing brush and ink(翰墨)
  • Official document(翰札)
  • Literary talent(文翰)
  • Brush writing(翰藻)
  • Imperial secretary(翰林)
  • Feathers(翰毛)

Idioms

  • The Hanlin Academy(翰林院)
  • Brush and ink like clouds(翰墨如云)
  • Elegant brushwork(龙翰凤翼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to long, stiff feathers used for writing brushes in ancient times.
  • Associated with the Hanlin Academy (翰林院), the imperial academy of scholars in imperial China.
  • Considered a character denoting literary excellence and scholarly achievement.
  • Often used in classical poetry and literature to symbolize refined writing.

FAQ