砚
inkstone; classmate relation
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesnoun
inkstone; writing stone
Traditional Chinese writing tool, often paired with brush and ink.
There is a Duan inkstone placed in his study.
Brush and inkstone are among the traditional Four Treasures of the Study.
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Grandpa uses this old inkstone to grind ink and practice calligraphy every day.
The pattern on this inkstone is very exquisite.
He has collected many inkstones made of different materials.
adjective
of classmate relation; fellow student
archaicArchaic term derived from sharing inkstones in study; used in titles like '砚兄' (elder classmate).
He hasn't seen his elder classmate for many years.
This is my fellow student; we studied together before.
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The friendship between classmates is very precious.
He calls that old man 'elder classmate' to show respect.
Fellow students gathered and recalled their school days.