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March 24, 2026
旷(曠)kuàng(kuang4)
The character 旷 (kuàng) primarily conveys the meaning of neglect or vastness. It can be used to describe a wide, open space, as well as the act of skipping classes or work. This character often appears in contexts related to both physical space and time management, reflecting a sense of emptiness or lack of attention.
Strokes7Radical日Frequency#23832DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of neglecting responsibilities, especially in education, carries significant social implications. Skipping classes is often frowned upon and viewed as a waste of valuable time, which reflects the high value placed on education and diligence.
Memory Tip
Imagine a vast, empty field (the vastness of 旷) where someone is skipping class, wasting time instead of being in school. The character's left side, 夕, suggests the setting sun, evoking the idea of time passing while one neglects their responsibilities.
Meanings of 旷
kuàng(kuang4)
1to neglect
2to skip (class or work)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 旷
旷Simplified
曠Traditional
7Strokes
日Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#23832Frequency Rank
Podcast: 旷
Podcast: 旷
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AI Study Notes for 旷
Quick Contrast
空 (kōng) vs 旷 (kuàng): Use 空 when referring to emptiness or void, while 旷 emphasizes vastness or neglect.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a vast, empty field (the vastness of 旷) where someone is skipping class, wasting time instead of being in school. The character's left side, 夕, suggests the setting sun, evoking the idea of time passing while one neglects their responsibilities.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 旷 in appropriate contexts, as it can imply a negative action, such as neglecting duties. It is more commonly used in informal situations, particularly among younger speakers discussing school or work. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words, which may lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 旷 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with HSK Level 4 words related to space and time management. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in phrases that denote neglect or vastness, enhancing their vocabulary in descriptive contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of neglecting responsibilities, especially in education, carries significant social implications. Skipping classes is often frowned upon and viewed as a waste of valuable time, which reflects the high value placed on education and diligence.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 旷 with other characters that have similar pronunciations, such as 冈 (gāng) or 矿 (kuàng), leading to incorrect meanings. For example, saying '我旷了工作' (I neglected work) instead of '我旷课了' (I skipped class) can cause confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 旷
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Grammar Patterns of 旷
旷 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 6 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
我开车开了好一阵穿过这片可怕的空____之地。
I drove for a while across this fearsome emptiness.
Example Sentences for 旷 (4)
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1
我开车开了好一阵穿过这片可怕的空旷之地。
wǒ kāi chē kāi le hǎo yī zhèn chuān guò zhè piàn kě pà de kōng kuàng zhī dì。
I drove for a while across this fearsome emptiness.
2
上四年级时，他频频旷课。
shàng sì nián jí shí， ， tā pín pín kuàng。
In his fourth year he was truanting regularly.
3
我们大步流星地穿过雪封的旷野。
wǒ mén dà bù liú xīng dì chuān guò xuě fēng de kuàng yě。
We strode across the snowy fields.
4
凉爽的气候,馨香的气息, 炎炎夏日走一趟杉林溪,真的让人心旷神怡.
liáng shuǎng de qì hòu, , xīn xiāng de qì, xī , yán yán xià rì zǒu yī tàng shān, lín xī , zhēn de ràng rén xīn.
Cool climate and fragrant odors. It's a perfect summer getaway.
Cultural Notes for 旷
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the idea of neglecting responsibilities, especially in education, carries significant social implications. Skipping classes is often frowned upon and viewed as a waste of valuable time, which reflects the high value placed on education and diligence.
Word Family of 旷
Words Containing This Character16
空旷void空曠
旷kuàngto neglect曠
旷野wilderness曠野
旷课kuàngkèto play truant曠課
心旷神怡lit. heart untroubled, spirit pleased (idiom); carefree and relaxed心曠神怡
旷工to skip work曠工
旷日持久protracted (idiom)曠日持久
旷世incomparable曠世
旷达broad-minded曠達
旷古from the year dot曠古
高旷high and wide高曠
旷古未有unprecedented曠古未有
旷阔vast曠闊
旷职to fail to show up for work曠職
旷古未闻unprecedented曠古未聞
旷废to neglect (work)曠廢
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 空旷 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 旷
You might encounter phrases like 旷课 (kuàng kè), meaning 'to skip class', or 旷野 (kuàng yě), meaning 'wilderness'.
While 旷 can be used in formal contexts, it is more frequently found in informal conversations or literature discussing personal experiences.
