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March 24, 2026
壤rǎng(rang3)
The character '壤' (rǎng) refers to soil or earth, specifically rich or fertile soil used in agriculture. It is often used in contexts related to farming, gardening, and the natural environment, indicating the quality and type of soil in a given area.
Strokes20Radical土Frequency#54521DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
'壤' is often associated with traditional Chinese farming practices, where the quality of soil is crucial for crop yield. In Chinese culture, there is a deep respect for the land, and understanding soil types is vital for successful agriculture.
Memory Tip
Think of '壤' (rǎng) as a 'rich bank' of soil. The character has a top part that resembles a roof (土) representing earth, and below it looks like a treasure chest filled with valuable nutrients for plants. Imagine a farmer digging up this treasure to grow crops.
Meanings of 壤
rǎng(rang3)
1soil
2earth
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 壤
壤Simplified
20Strokes
土Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#54521Frequency Rank
Podcast: 壤
Podcast: 壤
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AI Study Notes for 壤
Quick Contrast
土 (tǔ) refers to earth or soil in a general sense, while 壤 (rǎng) specifically denotes rich or fertile soil, often in agricultural contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '壤' (rǎng) as a 'rich bank' of soil. The character has a top part that resembles a roof (土) representing earth, and below it looks like a treasure chest filled with valuable nutrients for plants. Imagine a farmer digging up this treasure to grow crops.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse '壤' with similar characters like '土' (tǔ), which means 'earth' in a more general sense. '壤' is more specific to fertile soil. In academic or formal writing, it's important to use '壤' when discussing agricultural conditions.
HSK Study Tips
While '壤' is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to other HSK Level 3 words like '土' (tǔ) and '田' (tián), which means 'field'. Focus on the context of use related to agriculture and environmental discussions to reinforce your understanding.
Cultural Note
'壤' is often associated with traditional Chinese farming practices, where the quality of soil is crucial for crop yield. In Chinese culture, there is a deep respect for the land, and understanding soil types is vital for successful agriculture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '壤' with '土' (tǔ) and use them interchangeably. For example, saying '土的质量' (tǔ de zhìliàng) instead of '壤的质量' (rǎng de zhìliàng) when specifically referring to soil quality is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 壤
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Grammar Patterns of 壤
壤 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 3 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 4
Complete the Sentence
索米尔周围的白垩质土____出产著名的安茹葡萄酒。
The chalky soil around Saumur produces the famous Anjou wines.
Example Sentences for 壤 (10)
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1
索米尔周围的白垩质土壤出产著名的安茹葡萄酒。
suǒ mǐ ěr zhōu wéi de bái è zhì tǔ rǎng chū chǎn zhù míng de ān rú pú táo jiǔ。
The chalky soil around Saumur produces the famous Anjou wines.
When the soil is dry, more moisture is lost from the plant.
9
他坚持说那两个地方有天壤之别。
tā jiān chí shuō nà liǎng gè dì fāng yǒu tiān rǎng zhī bié。
The two places, he insists, are as different as chalk and cheese.
10
平壤于周五在其东海岸曾发射了一枚短程导弹.
píng rǎng yú zhōu wǔ zài qí dōng hǎi àn zēng fā shè le yī méi duǎn chéng dǎo dàn.
On Friday, Pyongyang also fired a short - range missile off its east coast.
Cultural Notes for 壤
🏮Cultural insight
'壤' is often associated with traditional Chinese farming practices, where the quality of soil is crucial for crop yield. In Chinese culture, there is a deep respect for the land, and understanding soil types is vital for successful agriculture.
Word Family of 壤
Words Containing This Character13
土壤tǔrǎngsoil
平壤Pyongyang, capital of North Korea
天壤之别opposite extremes天壤之別
接壤to border on
壤rǎngsoil
穷乡僻壤a remote and desolate place窮鄉僻壤
平壤市Pyongyang, capital of North Korea
壤土loam
土壤学pedology (soil study)土壤學
沃壤fertile soil
霄壤之别huge difference霄壤之別
壤塘县Zamtang county (Tibetan: 'dzam thang rdzong) in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture 阿壩藏族羌族自治州|阿坝藏族羌族自治州[AbàZàngzúQiāngzúzìzhìzhōu], northwest Sichuan壤塘縣
壤塘Zamtang county (Tibetan: 'dzam thang rdzong) in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture 阿壩藏族羌族自治州|阿坝藏族羌族自治州[AbàZàngzúQiāngzúzìzhìzhōu], northwest Sichuan
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 土壤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 壤
'壤' is more commonly used in agricultural contexts and may not appear frequently in casual conversations.
'壤' is pronounced as rǎng, with a falling-rising tone. Practice saying it in phrases related to soil or farming.
