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March 24, 2026
熜cōng(cong1)
The character 熜 (cōng) primarily refers to a chimney or a torch, especially one made from hemp straw in historical contexts. It is often associated with the idea of fire and smoke, used in traditional settings where such structures were common.
Strokes15Radical火Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese architecture, chimneys were essential for smoke ventilation from kitchens and heating, reflecting the importance of fire in daily life. The use of hemp straw for torches also ties back to traditional practices in rural communities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chimney (熜) where smoke is billowing out, representing the 'fire' component of the character. The radical 火 (fire) at the bottom reminds you of the burning flames, while the top part looks like a 'crown' of smoke rising upwards, connecting to the sound 'cōng'.
Meanings of 熜
cōng(cong1)
primary
1chimney; torch
2chimney (old)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 熜
熜Simplified
15Strokes
火Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 熜
Podcast: 熜
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AI Study Notes for 熜
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chimney (熜) where smoke is billowing out, representing the 'fire' component of the character. The radical 火 (fire) at the bottom reminds you of the burning flames, while the top part looks like a 'crown' of smoke rising upwards, connecting to the sound 'cōng'.
Usage Notes
While 使用 (shǐyòng) 'to use' is a common verb, be careful with the tone when using 熜; it can be confused with other similar-sounding characters. This term is more formal and less frequently used in modern language, often appearing in literary or historical texts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 熜 is not part of the HSK curriculum, understanding it can enrich your vocabulary related to fire and construction. Students should focus on the radicals and how they connect to similar words like 火 (huǒ) for fire.
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese architecture, chimneys were essential for smoke ventilation from kitchens and heating, reflecting the importance of fire in daily life. The use of hemp straw for torches also ties back to traditional practices in rural communities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 熜 with similar characters like 照 (zhào) meaning 'to shine,' leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying '我需要一个照' instead of '我需要一个熜' when referring to a torch.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 熜
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Cultural Notes for 熜
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient Chinese architecture, chimneys were essential for smoke ventilation from kitchens and heating, reflecting the importance of fire in daily life. The use of hemp straw for torches also ties back to traditional practices in rural communities.
Word Family of 熜
Words Containing This Character1
熜cōngchimney (old)
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 熜 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 熜
In modern contexts, 熜 is not commonly used, but it historically referred to chimneys and torches.
There are no widely recognized phrases using 熜, as it is considered archaic.
