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March 24, 2026
恭gōng(gong1)
The character 恭 (gōng) means respectful or polite, often used to describe an attitude of reverence or deference towards others. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as in greetings or when addressing elders, to convey a sense of honor and politeness.
Strokes10Radical⺗Frequency#20874DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of respect is deeply ingrained, especially in familial and hierarchical relationships. The character 恭 is often used in traditional greetings, reflecting the importance of showing respect, especially during festivals or ceremonies.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person bowing deeply with their hands pressed together in front of their chest, symbolizing respect. The character 恭 has a heart (忄) on the left, representing emotions, and a structure on the right that resembles a person in a humble pose, reinforcing the idea of being respectful.
Meanings of 恭
gōng(gong1)
1respectful
2polite, respectful, reverent
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 恭
恭Simplified
10Strokes
⺗Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#20874Frequency Rank
Podcast: 恭
Podcast: 恭
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AI Study Notes for 恭
Quick Contrast
恭敬 (gōngjìng) vs 恭顺 (gōngshùn) — use 恭敬 when emphasizing respect and honor, while 恭顺 implies obedience and submission.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person bowing deeply with their hands pressed together in front of their chest, symbolizing respect. The character 恭 has a heart (忄) on the left, representing emotions, and a structure on the right that resembles a person in a humble pose, reinforcing the idea of being respectful.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 恭 with similar-sounding characters like 公 (gōng), which means public. 恭 is more formal, so it may not be suitable for casual conversations. Common collocations include 恭敬 (gōngjìng, respectful) and 恭贺 (gōnghè, to congratulate respectfully).
HSK Study Tips
Although 恭 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary list, it connects to themes of respect and politeness found in HSK Level 3 and 4 words. Students should focus on using it in respectful phrases and understand its context in formal communication.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of respect is deeply ingrained, especially in familial and hierarchical relationships. The character 恭 is often used in traditional greetings, reflecting the importance of showing respect, especially during festivals or ceremonies.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 恭 with other characters conveying respect, like 敬 (jìng). For example, they might say 恭敬 (gōngjìng) incorrectly when they mean to use 敬意 (jìngyì, respect). It's essential to understand the nuance between these terms.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 恭
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Grammar Patterns of 恭
恭 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他____顺地看着基思，等着他发号施令。
He was looking obediently at Keith, waiting for orders.
Common Confusions with 恭
恭vs供
gōng
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
恭vs宫
gōng
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "respectful"?
or
Example Sentences for 恭 (10)
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1
他恭顺地看着基思，等着他发号施令。
tā gōng shùn dì kàn zháo jī sī， ， děng zháo tā fā hào shī。
He was looking obediently at Keith, waiting for orders.
2
他对年轻人的玩世不恭感到惊愕。
tā duì nián qīng rén de wán shì bù gōng gǎn dào jīng è。
He was dismayed at the cynicism of the youngsters.
3
全都是些部长们常说的骗人鬼话和少不了的奉承恭维。
quán dū shì xiē bù cháng mén cháng shuō de piàn rén guǐ huà hé shǎo bù le de fèng chéng gōng wéi。
There was all the usual humbug and obligatory compliments from ministers.
Kneeling down solemnly, Yun Jiang kowtowed twice and left , with head raising and chest lifting.
Cultural Notes for 恭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of respect is deeply ingrained, especially in familial and hierarchical relationships. The character 恭 is often used in traditional greetings, reflecting the importance of showing respect, especially during festivals or ceremonies.
Word Family of 恭
Compounds1
塨
Words Containing This Character20
恭喜gōngxǐgreetings
恭gōngrespectful
恭维gōngwéito praise恭維
恭喜发财May you have a prosperous New Year! (New Year's greeting)恭喜發財
恭敬gōngjìngdeferential
洗耳恭听we are all ears洗耳恭聽
恭候to look forward to sth
恭祝to congratulate respectfully
谦恭polite and modest謙恭
恭贺to express good wishes恭賀
玩世不恭frivolous
毕恭毕敬reverent and respectful畢恭畢敬
恭顺deferential恭順
尉迟恭General Yuchi Gong (585-658), famous military man instrumental in founding the Tang dynasty尉遲恭
恭敬不如从命deference is no substitute for obedience (idiom)恭敬不如從命
恭贺新禧Happy New Year恭賀新禧
恭城Gongcheng Yao autonomous county in Guilin 桂林[Guìlín], Guangxi
温良恭俭让kindhearted and moderate (idiom); temperate and gentle溫良恭儉讓
必恭必敬reverent and respectful
却之不恭to refuse would be impolite卻之不恭
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 恭喜 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 恭
Common phrases that include 恭 (gōng) are 恭喜 (gōng xǐ), meaning 'congratulations,' and 恭敬 (gōng jìng), which means 'to respect' or 'to honor.' These phrases are often used in formal greetings and celebrations, emphasizing the importance of respect in Chinese culture.
恭 (gōng) means respectful, polite, or reverent in Chinese. It is often used to convey a sense of honor or deference towards someone or something. This character is commonly found in phrases that express respect, such as 恭喜 (gōng xǐ), which means 'congratulations.'
To use 恭 (gōng) in a sentence, you might say 恭敬地对待他 (gōng jìng de duì dài tā), which means 'treat him with respect.' This highlights the character's meaning of being respectful and polite. It can also be used in formal contexts to show reverence.
You can say 恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) to wish someone prosperity, especially during the Lunar New Year.
It's more common in formal contexts, so you might not hear it in casual conversations among friends.
While both convey respect, 礼 (lǐ) is more about rituals and propriety, whereas 恭 (gōng) emphasizes the attitude of respect.
