Structure Analysis: 形声字，从殳（武器），㐭声（lǐn，表音）。本义指帝王居所（如"宫殿"），现也指重要建筑（如"佛殿"）(Phonetic-semantic character: "殳" (weapon) + "㐭" (phonetic). Originally meant "imperial residence", now means "important building".)
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Diàn (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Palace; hall; temple; imperial residence; place of importance; rear part; Your Highness (as a honorific title).
4. Common Words
宫殿 (gōng diàn) Palace
殿下 (diàn xià) Your Highness
佛殿 (fó diàn) Buddhist hall
殿军 (diàn jūn) Rearguard
5. Grammar & Usage
The character 殿 (diàn) is primarily used as a noun:
Refers to large, important buildings: 宫殿 (palace), 佛殿 (Buddhist hall)
Used in honorific titles: 殿下 (Your Highness) - a respectful form of address for princes, princesses, and high-ranking officials
In idiomatic expressions: 殿军 (rearguard) - originally meaning the troops at the rear of an army, now also used to refer to the last-place finisher in a competition
6. Cultural Background
The character 殿 (diàn) has significant cultural importance in China:
Chinese imperial palaces, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, consist of multiple 殿 (halls), each with specific functions and symbolic meanings.
In traditional Chinese architecture, 殿 (halls) are typically the most important structures in a complex, used for ceremonial or official purposes.
In Buddhism, 佛殿 (Buddhist halls) are where statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are enshrined for worship.
The term 殿下 (Your Highness) reflects the hierarchical nature of traditional Chinese society and its elaborate system of honorifics.
7. Example Sentence
The Forbidden City is a famous imperial palace. 紫禁城是著名的皇家宫殿。
Taj Mahal is considered a palace of love. 泰姬陵被视为爱的殿堂。
8. Memory Tips
Combine "殳" (weapon) + building elements → Protected imperial residence. 组合“殳”+建筑元素→ 受保护的皇家居所。