How to Write 缎 (duàn) — Meaning “satin”

Picture a shiny satin ribbon (纟) being cut into segments (段) by a pair of scissors. The left side looks like twisted silk threads, and the right side has the shape of a hand holding a tool — just imagine that hand snipping a piece of luxurious satin.

The left radical 纟 should be written narrow and slightly taller, with three strokes: the first two are twists and the last is a horizontal line. The right part 段 has a balanced structure—pay attention to the small horizontal stroke inside the left side of 段 and make sure the final stroke (a right-falling slash) extends smoothly.

缎 (duàn) means satin, a type of silk fabric. 绠 (gěng) means a rope or well rope, and its radical is also 纟 but the right part is 更 (gèng). 绡 (xiāo) means raw silk or a thin silk fabric, with the right part 肖 (xiào). Visually, 缎 has the right component 段, while 绠 has 更 and 绡 has 肖.

缎 is commonly used in words like 绸缎 (chóu duàn, silks and satins) and 缎子 (duàn zi, satin fabric) to refer to a smooth, glossy textile. It also appears in 缎带 (duàn dài, satin ribbon) for decorative ribbons. Culturally, satin has been a luxury fabric in Chinese history, often used in traditional costumes and wedding dresses.

Common words containing 缎 include: 绸缎 (chóu duàn) — silks and satins; 缎子 (duàn zi) — satin; 缎带 (duàn dài) — satin ribbon.