HSK 7, ns, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
坤
kūn
one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing earth
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
坤
kūn
female principle
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
坤
kūn
☷
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
坤
kūn
ancient Chinese compass point: 225° (southwest)
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
kūn(kun1) T1
1earth; feminine
2one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing earth
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March 24, 2026
坤kūn(kun1)
The character 坤 (kūn) represents the concept of earth and is often associated with femininity in traditional Chinese philosophy. It is one of the Eight Trigrams (八卦), symbolizing stability, receptivity, and nurturing qualities, often seen as complementary to the masculine principle represented by 乾 (qián). In this context, it conveys a sense of grounding and support.
Strokes8Radical土Frequency#57865DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese cosmology, 坤 is associated with the earth and the feminine force, embodying qualities such as fertility and growth. This connection is significant during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, where the earth's bounty is celebrated.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 坤 as a flat, wide earth surface, supporting all life above it. The horizontal line at the top represents the sky, while the solid base signifies the earth's stability. You can remember its pronunciation 'kūn' by picturing a 'tomb' (which is associated with earth) that is 'kun' (cunningly) hidden beneath the surface.
Meanings of 坤
kūn(kun1)
1earth; feminine
2one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing earth
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 坤
坤Simplified
8Strokes
土Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 坤
Podcast: 坤
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AI Study Notes for 坤
Quick Contrast
乾 (qián) - use 坤 (kūn) when emphasizing earthiness and femininity, whereas 乾 (qián) focuses on heaven and masculinity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine the character 坤 as a flat, wide earth surface, supporting all life above it. The horizontal line at the top represents the sky, while the solid base signifies the earth's stability. You can remember its pronunciation 'kūn' by picturing a 'tomb' (which is associated with earth) that is 'kun' (cunningly) hidden beneath the surface.
Usage Notes
While 坤 is not commonly used in everyday speech, it may appear in philosophical or poetic contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters, and remember that it conveys a sense of support and nurturing, which may not be the first interpretation for learners from more individualistic cultures.
HSK Study Tips
Although 坤 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding this character can enhance your comprehension of Chinese philosophy, especially related to yin-yang concepts. Students should focus on its symbolic meanings and how it interacts with other related characters like 乾 (qián).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese cosmology, 坤 is associated with the earth and the feminine force, embodying qualities such as fertility and growth. This connection is significant during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, where the earth's bounty is celebrated.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 坤 with 乾 (qián), which represents the masculine principle. A common mistake is to incorrectly use 坤 in contexts that require a more active or assertive term. For example, saying '坤' to describe a leader could be misleading, as it suggests nurturing rather than assertiveness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 坤
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Grammar Patterns of 坤
坤 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
结论: 培____胶囊有明显的滋阴补肾作用.
Conclusion: Peikun Capsule has obvious effects of nourishing yin and supplementing kidney.
In traditional Chinese cosmology, 坤 is associated with the earth and the feminine force, embodying qualities such as fertility and growth. This connection is significant during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, where the earth's bounty is celebrated.
Word Family of 坤
Words Containing This Character7
坤kūn☷
乾坤yin and yang
扭转乾坤to turn things around扭轉乾坤
巴里坤Barkol Kazakh autonomous county or Barköl Qazaq aptonom nahiyisi in Kumul prefecture 哈密地區|哈密地区[Hāmìdìqū], Xinjiang
巴里坤县Barkol Kazakh autonomous county or Barköl Qazaq aptonom nahiyisi in Kumul prefecture 哈密地區|哈密地区[Hāmìdìqū], Xinjiang巴里坤縣
巴里坤哈萨克自治县Barkol Kazakh autonomous county or Barköl Qazaq aptonom nahiyisi in Kumul prefecture 哈密地區|哈密地区[Hāmìdìqū], Xinjiang巴里坤哈薩克自治縣
旋乾转坤a radical change旋乾轉坤
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 坤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 坤
In the Eight Trigrams, 坤 symbolizes the earth and embodies qualities like receptiveness, stability, and nurturing.
While 坤 is not commonly used in everyday language, it is relevant in philosophical discussions and traditional texts.
坤 represents the yin principle, which is associated with femininity and the earth, complementing the yang principle represented by 乾.
