傘 / 伞
sǎn
The English word "umbrella" is translated into Chinese as 傘 / 伞 (sǎn). Wiktionary also lists 雨傘 / 雨伞 (yǔsǎn).
Meaning: cloth-covered frame used for protection against rain or sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 傘 / 伞 | sǎn |
| 雨傘 / 雨伞 | yǔsǎn |
The term refers to a cloth-covered frame used for protection against rain or sun. While 傘 / 伞 covers the concept of an umbrella in general, you can be more specific depending on the weather. For example, if you are referring specifically to a parasol used for protection against the sun, you should use 遮陽傘.
What does it mean word for word?
The specific term for a rain umbrella, 雨傘 / 雨伞, is composed of the character for "rain" (yǔ) and the character for "umbrella" (sǎn).
Which one should you use?
傘 / 伞 can refer to an umbrella in a general sense, but 雨傘 / 雨伞 is the more common and specific term used when denoting an umbrella intended for use in the rain.
How do you pronounce it?
sǎn
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, giving an umbrella as a gift is often avoided because the word for 'umbrella' sounds similar to words for 'separation' or 'splitting up'.
- The character 傘 is a pictogram, meaning its ancient shape was designed to look like a physical umbrella held over a person.
- In certain Chinese idioms, the concept of an 'umbrella' is used metaphorically to describe a powerful person who provides protection for their subordinates.
Examples in context
- 请帮我找一把油纸伞。Could you help me find a parasol, please?
- 下雨了，记得带上雨伞儿哦！It's raining, remember to take your brolly with you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “umbrella” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 傘, CC BY-SA 4.0.
