zān

簪

Character · Noun · Verb

hairpin; to wear in the hair

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 6 examples
1.

noun

hairpin; hair clasp; long needle used to fasten hair

Refers to a traditional hair ornament, often made of metal, jade, or bone. In classical Chinese, it could also symbolize official rank when used in the phrase 簪缨 (hairpin and tassels). The form 簪儿 is also common in speech.

Nǎi奶
nai奶
cóng从
shǒu首
shì饰
hé盒
lǐ里
qǔ取
chū出
yī一
gēn根
bì碧
yù玉
zān簪
 。

Grandma took out a green jade hairpin from her jewelry box.

Zhè这
zhī支
jīn金
zān簪
shì是
mā妈
ma妈
chuán传
xià下
lái来
de的
 。

This golden hairpin was passed down from my mother.

Show 1 more example
Tā她
piān偏
ài爱
nà那
zhǒng种
biǎn扁
zān簪
 ,
shuō说
dài戴
zhe着
gèng更
shū舒
fu服
 。

She prefers that kind of flat hairpin, saying it's more comfortable to wear.

2.

verb

to stick into the hair; to wear in the hair; to insert (a flower, etc.) into the hair

literary

Often used in literary or descriptive contexts, particularly in classical poetry or descriptions of traditional dress. The object inserted is typically a flower, hairpin, or ornamental clasp.

Tóu头
shang上
zān簪
le了
yī一
zhī枝
róng绒
huā花
 ,
xiǎn显
de得
gé格
wài外
xǐ喜
qìng庆
 。

With a velvet flower tucked into her hair, she looked especially festive.

Gǔ古
dài代
nǚ女
zǐ子
xǐ喜
huan欢
zài在
bìn鬓
biān边
zān簪
huā花
 。

Women in ancient times liked to wear flowers in their hair at the temples.

Show 1 more example
Tā她
suí随
shǒu手
zhāi摘
le了
yī一
duǒ朵
yě野
jú菊
zān簪
zài在
fà发
jiān间
 。

She casually picked a wild chrysanthemum and tucked it into her hair.