HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #8807, Hard
péng(peng2) T2
1shack, shed; tent, awning
2canopy
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March 24, 2026
棚péng(peng2)
The character 棚 (péng) refers to a structure used for storage or shelter, commonly translated as 'shack' or 'shed.' It can denote temporary structures like tents or awnings, and is often used in contexts related to outdoor activities, storage, or makeshift housing.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#8807DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In rural China, temporary structures like 棚 are often used during harvest season to protect crops from the elements, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'penguin' (péng) seeking shelter under a large canopy (棚) to escape the cold. The character 棚 has the radical for wood (木), hinting at its connection to wooden structures used for shelter.
Meanings of 棚
péng(peng2)
1shack, shed; tent, awning
2canopy
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 棚
棚Simplified
12Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 棚
Podcast: 棚
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AI Study Notes for 棚
Quick Contrast
棚 (péng) vs 房 (fáng) — use 棚 for temporary or makeshift structures, while 房 denotes a permanent building or house.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'penguin' (péng) seeking shelter under a large canopy (棚) to escape the cold. The character 棚 has the radical for wood (木), hinting at its connection to wooden structures used for shelter.
Usage Notes
In casual contexts, 棚 can refer to any temporary or less formal structure. Be careful not to confuse it with similar terms that imply permanence or sturdiness. Common collocations include '车棚' (chēpéng - carport) and '棚屋' (péngwū - shack).
HSK Study Tips
While 棚 is not an HSK word, it connects with other structures in HSK vocabulary, enhancing your understanding of housing and shelter-related terms. When studying, focus on the context in which it is used to build related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In rural China, temporary structures like 棚 are often used during harvest season to protect crops from the elements, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 棚 with more permanent structures like 房子 (fángzi - house). For example, saying '我的房子是棚' (Wǒ de fángzi shì péng - My house is a shed) is incorrect; instead, use '我的棚是新的' (Wǒ de péng shì xīn de - My shed is new).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 棚
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Grammar Patterns of 棚
棚 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 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 4
Complete the Sentence
与在录音____里录音相比，她更喜欢现场表演。
She'smuch happier performing live than in a recording studio.
shēng kǒu péng lǐ de shēng kǒu è dé zhāo tā áo áo jiào.
The stock in the barn cried to her hungrily.
9
适合春棚及春秋露地栽培.
shì hé chūn péng jí chūn qiū lòu dì zāi péi.
For the spring and the spring and open field cultivation shed.
10
她犹豫不定地看着他, 看着那间矮棚屋.
tā yóu yù bù dìng dì kàn zháo tā, , kàn zháo nà jiān ǎi péng.
She looked doubtfully at him, at the low shanty.
Cultural Notes for 棚
🏮Cultural insight
In rural China, temporary structures like 棚 are often used during harvest season to protect crops from the elements, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 棚
Words Containing This Character12
棚péngshed
摄影棚film studio攝影棚
棚子shack
爆棚full to bursting
顶棚ceiling頂棚
棚户区shantytown棚戶區
天棚ceiling
凉棚arbor涼棚
棚架trellis
棚户shacks棚戶
茅棚thatched shed
手搭凉棚to shade one's eyes with one's hand手搭涼棚
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 棚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 棚
You could say '我在棚里放了很多工具' (Wǒ zài péng lǐ fàng le hěn duō gōngjù) which means 'I put many tools in the shed.'
棚 is considered informal and is commonly used in everyday speech.
Yes, 棚 can refer to various types of temporary or makeshift shelters, but it is typically used for less permanent structures.
