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哏 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
哏génthe clamor of an argument; funny; oddv, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏géninterestingunknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏génalso used as an exclamation of angerunknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏génold variant of 狠[hen3]unknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏génold variant of 很[hen3]unknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěnthe clamor of an argument; funny; oddv, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěninterestingunknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěnalso used as an exclamation of angerunknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěnold variant of 狠[hen3]unknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěnold variant of 很[hen3]unknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
gén(gen2)gen
primary
T2
  1. 1the clamor of an argument; funny; odd
  2. 2interesting
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March 24, 2026

哏gén(gen2)

The character 哏 (gén) primarily refers to something that is funny, odd, or interesting. It can also denote a clamor associated with an argument or conflict. Though less common today, it serves as an expression of anger or frustration, often found in informal contexts.

Strokes9Radical口Frequency#52540DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, humor often stems from wordplay and social interactions, making 哏 relevant in comedic contexts such as stand-up routines or everyday banter among friends.

Memory tip

Imagine a funny comedian who makes you laugh so hard that you can't help but exclaim 'gén!' This sound captures the essence of humor and oddness, much like how the character itself combines elements of laughter and curiosity.

Meanings of 哏

gén(gen2)
primary
1the clamor of an argument; funny; odd
2interesting
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 哏 means.

About 哏

哏Simplified
9Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 哏

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Podcast: 哏

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AI study notes for 哏

Usage Notes

哏 is typically used in informal speech and can convey a sense of humor or oddity. A common mistake is confusing it with the similar sounding 很 (hěn), which means 'very.' Be mindful of the tone differences, as 哏 has a rising tone that can imply excitement or anger.

HSK Study Tips

Although 哏 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners at higher levels should be aware of colloquial expressions. Focus on understanding its informal usage and how it contrasts with other adjectives like 有趣 (yǒuqù, interesting) or funny.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 哏 (gén) with 很 (hěn) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '哏好' instead of '很好' (hěn hǎo, very good) changes the meaning and can sound odd. Always remember the context in which you use each term.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 哏

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Etymology of 哏

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

mouth

Semantic (meaning)口
+
Phonetic (sound)艮
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

哏 = 口 + 艮. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 哏

IDS Structure⿰口艮
哏Full character
=
口kou3
left
艮gen3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 哏?

How to say the clamor of an argument; funny; odd in Chinese

“the clamor of an argument; funny; odd” in Chinese is哏gén

The character 哏 (gén) primarily refers to something that is funny, odd, or interesting. It can also denote a clamor associated with an argument or conflict. Though less common today, it serves as an expression of anger or frustration, often found in informal contexts.

When to use 哏

哏 is typically used in informal speech and can convey a sense of humor or oddity. A common mistake is confusing it with the similar sounding 很 (hěn), which means 'very.' Be mindful of the tone differences, as 哏 has a rising tone that can imply excitement or anger.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 哏 (gén) with 很 (hěn) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '哏好' instead of '很好' (hěn hǎo, very good) changes the meaning and can sound odd. Always remember the context in which you use each term.

Write 哏

哏

Practice writing 哏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 哏

Words containing this character3
哏génfunny
逗哏lead comic
捧哏fall-guy
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 哏

What does 逗哏 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 哏

While it's recognized, 哏 is not frequently used in formal settings, making it more suitable for casual conversations.

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