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March 24, 2026
坩gān(gan1)
The character 坩 (gān) refers to a crucible, a container used for melting and fusing materials at high temperatures, often in metalworking and ceramics. It can also denote earthenware or pottery, suggesting its use in crafting and shaping materials. This word is primarily used in industrial or artistic contexts related to heat and transformation.
Strokes8Radical土Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese pottery, the use of crucibles was significant for creating high-fired ceramics, which are valued for their durability and beauty. This reflects the historical importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, fiery furnace where metal is melted down - that's the crucible! The character 坩 looks like a pot (土) sitting on top of a base (干), symbolizing a container for high-temperature processes. Picture 'gān' as 'gone' in the heat, transforming materials.
Meanings of 坩
gān(gan1)
1crucible; earthenware, pottery
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 坩
坩Simplified
8Strokes
土Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 坩
Podcast: 坩
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AI Study Notes for 坩
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small, fiery furnace where metal is melted down - that's the crucible! The character 坩 looks like a pot (土) sitting on top of a base (干), symbolizing a container for high-temperature processes. Picture 'gān' as 'gone' in the heat, transforming materials.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 坩 with similar characters related to containers. Remember that 坩 specifically refers to a crucible used in high heat contexts, not just any container. It's more formal and technical, so avoid using it in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 坩 is not included in the HSK lists, understanding it enriches your vocabulary related to materials and chemistry. Focus on related terms like 熔 (róng, to melt) and 陶 (táo, pottery) to build a contextual understanding at this level.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese pottery, the use of crucibles was significant for creating high-fired ceramics, which are valued for their durability and beauty. This reflects the historical importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 坩 with the more general term for 'container' like 容器 (róngqì). For example, saying 坩 to mean any pot is incorrect; instead, use it specifically for crucibles.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 坩
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Cultural Notes for 坩
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese pottery, the use of crucibles was significant for creating high-fired ceramics, which are valued for their durability and beauty. This reflects the historical importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 坩
Words Containing This Character2
坩埚crucible坩堝
坩gāncrucible
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 坩埚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 坩
A 坩 is typically used for melting metals and other materials that require high temperatures, such as glass or ceramics.
Yes, 坩 is relevant in modern metallurgy, ceramics, and even in experimental chemistry for high-temperature reactions.
It's quite technical and usually not used in everyday conversation; it’s more appropriate for academic or industrial contexts.
