unknown, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #43595, Very Hard
kěn(ken3) T3
1to cultivate, to farm; to reclaim
2to reclaim (land)
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March 24, 2026
垦(墾)kěn(ken3)
The character 垦 (kěn) means 'to cultivate' or 'to farm,' often referring to the act of reclaiming land for agricultural purposes. It is commonly used in contexts related to agriculture, land management, and environmental restoration.
Strokes9Radical土Frequency#43595DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In China, land reclamation has historical significance, particularly in regions like the Yellow River basin, where farming practices have shaped the economy and society for centuries.
Memory Tip
Imagine a farmer (the horizontal line) using a tool to break up the ground (the vertical strokes) to prepare it for planting. The sound 'kěn' can be remembered as the farmer saying 'can I cultivate this land?'
Meanings of 垦
kěn(ken3)
1to cultivate, to farm; to reclaim
2to reclaim (land)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 垦
垦Simplified
墾Traditional
9Strokes
土Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 垦
Podcast: 垦
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AI Study Notes for 垦
Quick Contrast
耕 (gēng) - use 垦 when emphasizing the reclamation of land for farming, while 耕 focuses on the act of tilling or plowing already cultivated land.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a farmer (the horizontal line) using a tool to break up the ground (the vertical strokes) to prepare it for planting. The sound 'kěn' can be remembered as the farmer saying 'can I cultivate this land?'
Usage Notes
This verb is typically used in formal contexts related to agriculture. A common mistake is to confuse it with other farming-related verbs like 种 (zhòng), which specifically means 'to plant.' Be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 垦 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to HSK 4 themes like agriculture and environment. Students should focus on its usage in phrases related to farming and land reclamation.
Cultural Note
In China, land reclamation has historical significance, particularly in regions like the Yellow River basin, where farming practices have shaped the economy and society for centuries.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 垦 with 耕 (gēng), which specifically means 'to plow.' For example, saying '我垦田' (wǒ kěn tián) is incorrect if referring to plowing; it should be '我耕田' (wǒ gēng tián).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 垦
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Grammar Patterns of 垦
垦 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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 1
Complete the Sentence
它会出钱雇农民开____这块低矮丛林来种植麦子。
It would pay farmers to plough up the scrub and plant wheat.
It would pay farmers to plough up the scrub and plant wheat.
Cultural Notes for 垦
🏮Cultural insight
In China, land reclamation has historical significance, particularly in regions like the Yellow River basin, where farming practices have shaped the economy and society for centuries.
Word Family of 垦
Words Containing This Character8
开垦kāikěnto put under the plow開墾
垦kěnto cultivate墾
垦荒to open up land (for agriculture)墾荒
垦殖to open up land for cultivation墾殖
围垦to reclaim land by diking圍墾
屯垦to open up land for cultivation屯墾
垦利县Kenli county in Dongying 東營|东营[Dōngyíng], Shandong墾利縣
垦利Kenli county in Dongying 東營|东营[Dōngyíng], Shandong墾利
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 开垦 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 垦
You might encounter 垦荒 (kěn huāng), meaning 'to reclaim wasteland'.
Yes, it's used in discussions about sustainable agriculture and land use.
It is pronounced with a rising tone, like you’re asking a question: kěn.
