chan

IPA/tʃˈan/
KK[tʃˈæn]IPA/tʃˈæn/

chan — abbreviation

1. a short, informal way of writing or saying "channel" — used when talking about t

1.abbreviationB1
Definition

a short, informal way of writing or saying "channel" — used when talking about television stations or online message groups

Example

Sora switched to a music chan while cooking dinner in the kitchen.

Which chan is broadcasting the basketball game tonight?

question form asking about TV channel

Common collocations
  • watch a chan
  • switch to another chan
  • the news chan
  • the sports chan
  • chat chan
Synonyms
  • station

    used more for radio than TV; does not cover online chat groups

  • channel

    the full, formal version of the same word

Usage Note

Almost always used in informal speech or writing. In formal contexts, write out the full word "channel" instead.

Common Mistakes

Please check chan 5 for the weather report.' (in a formal email)
Please check channel 5 for the weather report.
'chan' is too informal for most written communication.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: abbreviation/1

"Chan" is an informal clipping of "channel," used in casual conversation and online chat. "Channel" is the standard full form, appropriate in all contexts from formal writing to everyday speech. "Station" overlaps with "channel" primarily for radio (e.g., "a radio station") but is rarely used for TV program numbers or online messaging groups. Choose "channel" for any formal or written context; use "chan" only with friends or in quick messages. For example: "What channel is the documentary on?" (neutral) vs. "Check the design chan for the mockups." (informal, online).

chan ↗channel ↗station ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • which chan
  • the news chan
  • the sports chan
  • in the ... chan

Etymology

English

A shortened form of "channel," created by clipping the second syllable — a common pattern in English informal vocabulary (cf. "phone" from "telephone," "fridge" from "refrigerator"). The abbreviation originated in casual speech and later spread to text-based chat platforms.