How to Write 旃 (zhān) — Meaning “felt; a type of banner”

Imagine a square flag (方) that is dyed bright red (丹) and made of thick felt material. This picture helps you link the shape to both meanings: a banner and felt. The red color is unusual, so it sticks in your mind.

The right part 丹 has four strokes: a left vertical, a horizontal, a dot, and a right vertical. Make sure the dot is placed inside the top right area, not too high or low. A common mistake is making the right side too narrow, which throws off the balance with the left 方.

旃 has 丹 on the right, while 施 has 㐌 (a variant of 也) and 斿 has 㫃 (a flag with streamers). Visually, 旃's right part looks like a square with a dot inside, while 施's right has a curved stroke. Meanings also differ: 施 means to apply or carry out, 斿 means to wander, and 旃 means felt or a banner.

旃 is very rare and mostly appears in classical texts or historical terms like 旃裘 (zhān qiú, felt clothing) and 旃旌 (zhān jīng, banners and flags). You will not find it in everyday conversation or modern media. Its cultural value lies in ancient references to nomadic life and military banners.

Common words containing 旃 include: 旃裘 (zhān qiú) — felt clothing; 旃勉 (zhān miǎn) — to encourage; 旃旌 (zhān jīng) — banners and flags.