unknown, 22 strokes, radical 口, rank #8693, Very Hard
náng(nang2) T2
1bag, purse, sack; to pocket, to stow
2pocket (for money)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
囊náng(nang2)
The character 囊 (náng) primarily means 'bag' or 'purse,' referring to a container used for carrying items. It can also imply the action of stowing something away or pocketing it, which conveys a sense of keeping something secure. This term is often used in both everyday contexts and literary expressions.
Strokes22Radical口Frequency#8693DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, bags were often used to carry not only physical items but also wealth and good fortune, linking the concept of a 'bag' to prosperity and success in life. This reflects the cultural importance of securing one's fortunes.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, fluffy bag (囊) that you can carry with your arms wide open, filled with treasures. The character looks like a bag with a roof (the top part) and a base, emphasizing the idea of holding something valuable inside, which helps recall its meaning.
Meanings of 囊
náng(nang2)
1bag, purse, sack; to pocket, to stow
2pocket (for money)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 囊
囊Simplified
22Strokes
口Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 囊
Podcast: 囊
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 囊
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when saying 囊; it has a rising tone (náng) that can be easily confused with other words. It is often used in phrases like 'money bag' (钱囊, qián náng) or 'sack of grain' (粮囊, liáng náng). The usage is generally neutral, but in formal writing, it may appear less frequently.
HSK Study Tips
While 囊 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with HSK Level 3 words related to objects and containers, such as 包 (bāo, bag) and 袋 (dài, sack). Students should focus on recognizing it in context, particularly in literary texts or idiomatic expressions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 囊 with 袋 (dài), which also means 'bag' but is more general. For instance, saying '我有一个囊' (wǒ yǒu yī gè náng) when referring to a shopping bag is incorrect; use '袋' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 囊
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 囊 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
2The sound half襄 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaygate
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 囊? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 囊?
Decomposition of 囊
IDS Structure⿱⿻口？襄
囊Full Character
=
口kou3
outer
襄Xiang1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 囊?
How to say bag, purse, sack; to pocket, to stow in Chinese
“bag, purse, sack; to pocket, to stow” in Chinese is囊náng
The character 囊 (náng) primarily means 'bag' or 'purse,' referring to a container used for carrying items. It can also imply the action of stowing something away or pocketing it, which conveys a sense of keeping something secure. This term is often used in both everyday contexts and literary expressions.
When to use 囊
Be mindful of the tone when saying 囊; it has a rising tone (náng) that can be easily confused with other words. It is often used in phrases like 'money bag' (钱囊, qián náng) or 'sack of grain' (粮囊, liáng náng). The usage is generally neutral, but in formal writing, it may appear less frequently.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 囊 with 袋 (dài), which also means 'bag' but is more general. For instance, saying '我有一个囊' (wǒ yǒu yī gè náng) when referring to a shopping bag is incorrect; use '袋' instead.
Write 囊
囊
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 囊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 囊
囊 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
你要服一粒维生素B胶____。
You are asked to swallow a capsule containing vitamin B.
Example Sentences for 囊 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
你要服一粒维生素B胶囊。
nǐ yào fú yī lì wéi shēng sùB B jiāo。
You are asked to swallow a capsule containing vitamin B.
2
警察说他为了逃避逮捕就吞了一颗氰化物胶囊。
jǐng chá shuō tā wéi le táo bì dài bǔ jiù tūn le yī kē qíng huà wù jiāo náng。
The police say he swallowed a cyanide capsule to avoid arrest.
