Learn a Chinese Character - 垫

1. Character Basics

Radical: 土 (Earth radical)

Stroke Count: 9 (Number of strokes: 9)

Structure Analysis: 形声字，从土（泥土），执声（zhí，表音）。本义指铺垫物（如"坐垫"），现也指暂时替代（如"垫付"）(Phonetic-semantic character: "土" (earth) + "执" (phonetic). Originally meant "padding material", now means "temporary substitute".)

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Diàn (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

To pad; to cushion; to place something underneath; to lay; to advance (money); to make a down payment.

4. Common Words

• 坐垫 (zuò diàn) Seat cushion
• 垫付 (diàn fù) Advance payment
• 床垫 (chuáng diàn) Mattress
• 鞋垫 (xié diàn) Shoe insole

5. Grammar & Usage

The character 垫 (diàn) can be used as both a verb and a noun:

• As a verb: Indicates the action of placing something underneath for support or protection. Example: 垫桌子 (diàn zhuō zi) - to pad a table
• As a verb in financial contexts: Means to advance money on someone's behalf. Example: 垫付 (diàn fù) - to make an advance payment
• As a noun: Refers to padding materials. Example: 坐垫 (zuò diàn) - seat cushion

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of padding (垫) has practical applications in daily life and traditional practices. For example:

• Traditional Chinese furniture often uses cushions (坐垫) for comfort and to protect the furniture.
• The practice of 垫付 (advancing payment) reflects the importance of mutual assistance and trust in Chinese social relationships.
• In traditional medicine, padded supports (垫) are sometimes used to provide comfort during treatment or recovery.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Combine "执" (hold) + "土" (earth) → Hold earth to make cushion. 组合“执”+“土”→ 手握泥土制作垫材。