盏

• Pinyin: zhǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 盏 = 戋 (phonetic) + 皿 (vessel) — a small vessel or lamp

Meaning

Measure word for lamps or lights; a small cup or vessel. Used to count illumination devices.

Primary usage is as a measure word for lamps: 一盏灯 (a lamp). Also refers to small cups for wine or oil lamps: 酒盏 (wine cup), 灯盏 (oil lamp). In literary contexts, carries an elegant, classical feel.

Examples

1. 夜幕降临，街道两旁亮起了一盏盏路灯。 As night fell, the streetlights along both sides of the road lit up one after another.
2. 这座古塔顶端悬挂着一盏明亮的长明灯。 At the top of the ancient pagoda hangs a bright eternal lamp.
3. 在停电的夜晚，一盏烛光显得格外温暖。 On a night with a power outage, a single candlelight feels especially warm.

Usage Guide

Context: lighting, measurement, literature

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 桌上放着一盏台灯，灯光柔和而温馨。(On the table sits a desk lamp with soft and cozy light.)
• 远处闪烁着几盏渔火，在黑夜中格外醒目。(A few fishing lights flicker in the distance, especially striking in the darkness.)

Don't Say

• 一盏茶杯 — 盏 is for lamps/lights; use 个 or 只 for teacups

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 皿 (vessel) + 戋 (phonetic zhǎn)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal