坛

• Pinyin: tán
• Hanzi breakdown: 坛 = 土 (earth) + 云 (cloud, phonetic)

Meaning

Altar; platform; forum; circle (of a particular field). Also: a jar or jug.

Multiple meanings: (1) raised platform for ceremonies (祭坛, altar); (2) forum or arena (论坛, forum; 文坛, literary world); (3) earthenware jar (坛子). Context determines meaning.

Examples

1. 天坛是北京最著名的古建筑之一，每年吸引大量游客。 The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing's most famous ancient structures, attracting large numbers of tourists every year.
2. 他在文坛沉寂多年后，最近又推出了新作。 After years of silence in the literary world, he recently released a new work.
3. 奶奶用坛子腌了一坛酸菜，过年的时候吃特别香。 Grandma pickled a jar of sauerkraut — it tastes especially good during Chinese New Year.

Usage Guide

Context: cultural, literary, everyday

Tone: varied

Do Say

• 他是体坛名将。(He's a famous figure in the sports world.)
• 论坛上讨论很热烈。(The discussion on the forum is very lively.)

Don't Say

• 混淆'坛'和'谈' (坛 tan2 and 谈 tan2 sound the same but have different meanings)

Origin & History

Originally referred to a raised earthen platform for rituals. Extended to forums/circles and earthenware containers.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal