伞

• Pinyin: sǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 伞 = a simplified pictograph of an umbrella — the strokes at the top depict the open canopy, with a vertical handle below

Meaning

Umbrella; parasol. A portable device used for protection from rain or sun.

Refers to both rain umbrellas (雨伞) and sun parasols (太阳伞 or 遮阳伞). An essential everyday item in China, often carried during the rainy season. Common phrases include 打伞 (hold up an umbrella), 带伞 (bring an umbrella), and 收伞 (close an umbrella). Also used metaphorically in 保护伞 (protective umbrella, meaning a patron or shield).

Examples

1. 今天可能会下雨，你出门记得带伞。 It might rain today, so remember to bring an umbrella when you go out.
2. 她打着一把红色的伞走在雨中。 She walked in the rain holding a red umbrella.
3. 太阳太大了，我们在伞下休息一会儿吧。 The sun is too strong; let us rest under the parasol for a while.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, daily life, outdoor activities

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 外面下雨了，你有伞吗？(It is raining outside — do you have an umbrella?)
• 我的伞忘在出租车上了。(I left my umbrella in the taxi.)

Don't Say

• 请开伞 meaning please open the umbrella (Don't say 开伞 — the correct verb is 打伞 to hold up an umbrella or 撑伞 to open and hold an umbrella; say 请打伞 instead)

Origin & History

The character 伞 is a pictograph resembling the shape of an open umbrella — the top strokes represent the canopy and the central stroke represents the handle.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal