誕 (dàn) - Birth — to be born & birthday

誕Tone 4

dàn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

誕 · dàn

Birth — to be born;

birthday;

to originate;

absurd;

extravagant.

Birth — to be bornbirthdayto originate

Usage highlights

BirthdayTo be bornBirthplaceBirth ceremonyAbsurd theoryExtravagant behavior

Synonyms

  • 生— to be born; to give birth
  • 出生— to be born

Antonyms

  • 死— to die
  • 亡— to perish; to die

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Today is my birthday (生日).
  • The baby was born at the hospital (在医院诞生).
  • This tradition originated in ancient times (这个传统诞生于古代).
  • His statement is absurd (他的声明很荒诞).

Collocations

  • Birthday(生日)
  • To be born(诞生)
  • Birthplace(诞生地)
  • Birth ceremony(诞辰)
  • Absurd theory(荒诞理论)
  • Extravagant behavior(放诞)

Idioms

  • Absurd and unreasonable(荒诞不经)
  • Extravagant and unrestrained(放诞不羁)
  • Grand birthday celebration(华诞盛典)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, birthdays (生日/诞辰) are important milestones, with special celebrations for elders.
  • The character appears in 圣诞节 (Christmas), literally 'Holy Birth Festival', reflecting its adoption for religious concepts.
  • The 'absurd' meaning derives from the idea of something being 'born' without proper foundation or reason.

FAQ