How to Write 阽 (diàn) — Meaning “to be in danger”

Picture a person (占) standing on a cliff (阝), looking down and feeling terrified because they are about to fall. This image of imminent danger directly connects the components to the meaning "in danger."

First write the left radical 阝: a horizontal left-falling stroke then a vertical hook, then a vertical line (2 strokes total). Then write 占: start with a vertical stroke, then a horizontal, another vertical, a horizontal bend, and finally a horizontal stroke. A common mistake is writing the top of 占 as a single 卜 shape — remember it has five distinct strokes.

Visually, 阽 has 占 on the right, which includes a 卜-like top part. In contrast, 邗 has 干 (a simple cross) and 邘 has 于 (a curved vertical). Meaning-wise, 阽 means danger, while 邗 and 邘 are ancient place names and have no danger-related usage.

阽 is a classical literary character rarely used in everyday speech. It appears in formal or historical texts, especially in words like 阽危 (in imminent danger) and 阽死 (on the verge of death). Learners may encounter it when studying advanced or classical Chinese literature.

Common words containing 阽 include: 阽危 (diàn wēi) — in imminent danger; 阽死 (diàn sǐ) — on the verge of death; 阽险 (diàn xiǎn) — dangerous; in peril.