Learn a Chinese Character - 盾

1. Character Basics

Radical: 厂 (Cliff radical)

Stroke Count: 9 (Number of strokes: 9)

Structure Analysis: 象形字，从厂（山崖），从目（眼睛）。本义指防护工具（如"盾牌"），现指防御手段（如"防火墙"）(Pictogram: "厂" (cliff) + "目" (eye). Originally meant "protective tool", now means "defensive means".)

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Dùn (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Shield; defense; protective equipment; safeguard; to defend; to protect; shield-shaped object; defensive measure.

4. Common Words

• 盾牌 (dùn pái) Shield
• 矛盾 (máo dùn) Contradiction
• 后盾 (hòu dùn) Backing support
• 盾构机 (dùn gòu jī) Tunnel boring machine

5. Grammar & Usage

The character 盾 (dùn) is primarily used as a noun, referring to shields or defensive concepts:

• As a noun: Refers to a shield or defensive device. Example: 盾牌 (dùn pái) - shield
• In compound words: Often combined with other characters. Example: 矛盾 (máo dùn) - contradiction (literally "spear and shield")
• Figurative usage: Can mean protection or support. Example: 安全盾 (ān quán dùn) - safety shield
• In idiomatic expressions: 自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn) - self-contradictory (from the classic story of the spear and shield)
• Technical terms: Used in various fields. Example: 防火墙 (fáng huǒ qiáng) - firewall

6. Cultural Background

The character 盾 (dùn) has deep cultural significance in China:

• Shields have been used in Chinese warfare for over 3,000 years, with bronze shields dating back to the Shang Dynasty.
• The famous story of 自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn) - "spear and shield" - illustrates the concept of logical contradiction and is taught to children.
• Traditional Chinese martial arts incorporate shield techniques alongside weapons training.
• In Chinese philosophy, the balance between offense (矛) and defense (盾) reflects the yin-yang principles.
• Chinese opera and traditional performances often feature elaborate shield designs as part of costumes.
• Modern Chinese continues to use 盾 in various contexts, from cybersecurity (网络安全盾) to legal protection (法律后盾).

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Combine "厂" (cliff) + "十" (cross) + "目" (eye) → Cross-shaped cliff protecting vision. 组合“厂”+“十”+“目”→ 十字形山崖保护视线。