How to Write 弹 (dàn/tán) — Meaning “To play (a string instrument); bullet”

Imagine a bow (弓) aiming at a single (单) target – that bullet is dàn. Alternatively, picture a bow drawn across a single string to play music (tán). Both images link the bow and the idea of one action.

Write the left radical 弓 first with three strokes: horizontal bend, horizontal, then a vertical hook shape. The right part 单 starts with two dots, a left-falling stroke, then three horizontal lines with a vertical line through the middle. Keep 弓 narrow and the whole character balanced.

弹 has the right side 单 (single), while 弭 has 耳 (ear) and means to stop or pacify. 弮 has 卷 (roll) and refers to a crossbow. Visually, 弹’s right side has dots and horizontal lines, unlike the ear shape in 弭 or the rolled component in 弮.

As dàn it means bullet (子弹) and as tán it means to play string instruments (弹琴) or to bounce (弹性). Playing instruments like the guqin or pipa is a traditional art form, so 弹琴 appears often in cultural discussions. The word 弹性 is common in everyday talk about flexibility.

Common words containing 弹 include: 弹琴 (tán qín) — To play a stringed instrument; 弹性 (tán xìng) — Elasticity, flexibility; 子弹 (zǐ dàn) — bullet.