端

• Pinyin: duān
• Hanzi breakdown: 端 = 立 (stand) + 耑 (phonetic) — holding steady while standing

Meaning

To hold level with both hands; to carry (a tray, bowl, etc.); end or extremity; upright.

As a verb, 端 specifically means to hold something level and steady, typically with both hands — a waiter carrying a tray, or serving tea respectfully. As a noun, it means 'end' (两端 = both ends). It also means 'upright' in 端正. Related: 端菜 (serve dishes), 端茶倒水 (serve tea and pour water, i.e., do menial work).

Examples

1. 服务员端着满满一托盘饮料，走得小心翼翼。 The waiter was carrying a full tray of drinks, walking very carefully.
2. 他端了一碗热汤给生病的母亲，眼眶有点湿润。 He brought a bowl of hot soup to his sick mother, his eyes a little misty.
3. 别端着架子了，放轻松点，大家都是朋友。 Stop putting on airs; relax a bit — we're all friends here.

Usage Guide

Context: dining, service, posture

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 麻烦你帮我端一下这盘菜。(Could you help me carry this dish?)
• 坐有坐相，站有站相，别总端着手机。(Sit properly, stand properly — don't always be holding your phone.)

Don't Say

• 用端来形容单手拿东西 (Don't use 端 for holding something with one hand casually — use 拿 or 提 instead; 端 implies careful, level holding)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 立 (stand) + 耑 (phonetic, original meaning 'upright sprout'). The standing radical reflects the upright, balanced posture implied by the character.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal