unknown, 8 strokes, radical 穴, rank #37950, Very Hard
qióng(qiong2) T2
1vast, lofty, high; vault, dome, arch
2the sky
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March 24, 2026
穹qióng(qiong2)
The character 穹 (qióng) refers to a vast or lofty space, often used to describe a dome or arch, particularly in architectural contexts. It can also denote the sky, emphasizing its expansive and high qualities. This term is typically used in formal or literary contexts when discussing grand structures or celestial themes.
Strokes8Radical穴Frequency#37950DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of a dome, represented by 穹, is often seen in palaces and temples, symbolizing the heavens and the connection between earth and sky.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant dome (the 'vault' or 'arch') above you, representing the vast sky. The top of the dome is so high that it feels like you’re looking at the universe. The pronunciation 'qióng' can be remembered by thinking of 'king' (which sounds similar) sitting under a grand, open sky.
Meanings of 穹
qióng(qiong2)
1vast, lofty, high; vault, dome, arch
2the sky
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 穹
穹Simplified
8Strokes
穴Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 穹
Podcast: 穹
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AI Study Notes for 穹
Quick Contrast
穹 (qióng) vs 天 (tiān) — use 穹 for architectural or literary contexts emphasizing vastness, while 天 is more common for everyday references to the sky.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant dome (the 'vault' or 'arch') above you, representing the vast sky. The top of the dome is so high that it feels like you’re looking at the universe. The pronunciation 'qióng' can be remembered by thinking of 'king' (which sounds similar) sitting under a grand, open sky.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 穹 with similar characters related to height or space, such as 高 (gāo). It is primarily used in formal texts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include '穹顶' (qióngdǐng), meaning 'dome'.
HSK Study Tips
While 穹 is not part of the official HSK levels, it connects to themes of space and architecture found in HSK vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding its use in literary contexts and how it complements other terms describing height and vastness.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of a dome, represented by 穹, is often seen in palaces and temples, symbolizing the heavens and the connection between earth and sky.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 穹 with other characters like 圆 (yuán), which means 'round' or 'circle', leading to incorrect phrases like '圆顶' (yuán dǐng, circular dome) instead of '穹顶' (qióngdǐng, vaulted dome). Always ensure the context fits the grandeur implied by 穹.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 穹
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Grammar Patterns of 穹
穹 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 5
Complete the Sentence
建筑工人在8根细柱上架起轻巧的混凝土____顶。
The builders have perched a light concrete dome on eight slender columns.
The builders have perched a light concrete dome on eight slender columns.
2
在他的四周，从东到西，从北向南，苍穹里到处繁星闪闪。
zài tā de sì zhōu， ， cóng dōng dào， xī ， cóng běi， xiàng nán ， cāng qióng lǐ dào chǔ fán。
All around him, from east to west, north to south, the stars glittered in the heavens.
3
天空中穹顶与尖塔的轮廓深深刻在了我的记忆中。
tiān kōng zhōng qióng dǐng yǔ jiān tǎ de lún kuò shēn shēn kè zài le wǒ de jì yì zhōng。
The skyline of domes and minarets was imprinted on my memory.
4
圣保罗大教堂的穹顶
shèng bǎo luó dà jiào táng de qióng dǐng
the dome of St Paul's Cathedral
5
覆盖于穹丘上的沉积岩为渐新世侵蚀所截削.
fù gài yú qióng qiū shàng de chén jī yán wéi jiàn xīn shì qīn shí suǒ jié xiāo.
Oligocene erosion had truncated the sediments draped over the dome.
Cultural Notes for 穹
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of a dome, represented by 穹, is often seen in palaces and temples, symbolizing the heavens and the connection between earth and sky.
Word Family of 穹
Words Containing This Character7
穹qióngvault
苍穹the blue dome of heaven蒼穹
穹顶dome穹頂
穹隆vault
穹庐yurt (round tent)穹廬
穹苍the sky穹蒼
穹形arched
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 穹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 穹
天 (tiān) simply means 'sky' and is more commonly used in everyday language, while 穹 (qióng) conveys a more formal or poetic sense of a vast dome or arch.
Yes, 穹 is often used in architectural contexts to describe domes or vaulted ceilings.
Not typically; it is more commonly found in literature or formal texts rather than casual speech.
