Meanings of 梗
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 梗
Podcast: 梗
Podcast: 梗
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 梗
阻碍 (zǔ'ài) — use 梗 (gěng) for informal contexts of obstruction, while 阻碍 (zǔ'ài) is more formal.
Learners often confuse 梗 with similar terms like '干' (gān), which means 'to do' or 'stem' in a different context. It's mostly used in informal settings, especially in slang, to describe being blocked or hindered in a task, so be cautious of its tone and context.
Although 梗 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can deepen your comprehension of related words in everyday conversation. Focus on its usage in contexts involving plants or obstructions, as it can help you connect with other vocabulary at this level.
Learners often mistakenly use 梗 when they mean '干' (gān) to express an action, as both can refer to 'stem' in different contexts. For example, saying '我想梗这件事' instead of '我想干这件事' would be incorrect.
Pronunciation of 梗
Drill the tone of 梗 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 梗
Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 更 represents the sound.
tree
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 梗
Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 更 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half更 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaytree
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 梗? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 梗?
Decomposition of 梗
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 梗?
How to say stem, branch; to hinder, to block in Chinese
“stem, branch; to hinder, to block” in Chinese is梗
The character 梗 (gěng) primarily means 'stem' or 'branch' in a botanical context, referring to the structural part of a plant. Additionally, it conveys the idea of hindrance or blockage, often used in informal speech to describe a situation where progress is obstructed or someone is being blocked from doing something.
When to use 梗
Learners often confuse 梗 with similar terms like '干' (gān), which means 'to do' or 'stem' in a different context. It's mostly used in informal settings, especially in slang, to describe being blocked or hindered in a task, so be cautious of its tone and context.
梗 or something close to it
阻碍 (zǔ'ài) — use 梗 (gěng) for informal contexts of obstruction, while 阻碍 (zǔ'ài) is more formal.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 梗 when they mean '干' (gān) to express an action, as both can refer to 'stem' in different contexts. For example, saying '我想梗这件事' instead of '我想干这件事' would be incorrect.
Write 梗
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 梗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 梗
梗 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.
Complete the Sentence
它挠得我后脖____儿的绒毛直痒痒。
It tickled the hairs on the back of my neck.
Example Sentences for 梗 (6)
Word Family of 梗
Compound Meaning
What does 梗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 梗
It can mean 'stem' when referring to plants or can be used to describe a situation where someone is blocked from taking action.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 梗?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.