shān

to delete

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Usage of ''

The character '' (shān) primarily means 'to delete' or 'to remove'. It is commonly used in digital contexts such as deleting emails, files, or photos, but can also apply to removing text or other items.

Common Collocations

  • (shān diào): to delete or remove something completely.
  • 删除文件 (shānchú wénjiàn): delete a file.
  • 错误 (shān qù cuòwù): remove errors.

Notes

'' is often paired with verbs like '' to emphasize complete removal. It is a formal and neutral term suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. Avoid confusing '' with '' (to reduce) or '' (to edit by deleting and modifying), which have related but distinct meanings.

Example Sentences

请帮我删掉这封邮件。

Qǐng bāng wǒ shān diào zhè fēng yóujiàn.

Please help me delete this email.

他不小心删了重要的文件。

Tā bù xiǎoxīn shān le zhòngyào de wénjiàn.

He accidentally deleted an important file.

你可以删掉那些不需要的照片。

Nǐ kěyǐ shān diào nàxiē bù xūyào de zhàopiàn.

You can delete those unnecessary photos.