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簧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
huángreed; lock, metal springn, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #39154, Very Hard
huángmetallic reedunknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #39154, Very Hard
huángspring of lockunknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #39154, Very Hard
huáng(huang2) T2
  1. 1reed; lock, metal spring
  2. 2metallic reed
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March 24, 2026

huáng(huang2)

The character 簧 (huáng) primarily refers to a type of reed or a metallic spring used in locks. It can also denote the reed used in musical instruments, highlighting its versatility in both natural and mechanical contexts. This word is less common in everyday conversation, but it appears in specific technical or musical discussions.

Strokes17RadicalFrequency#39154DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese music, the use of reeds in instruments like the sheng (a type of mouth organ) is significant, reflecting the cultural importance of music in Chinese society. The character 簧 embodies this connection between natural materials and musical expression.

Memory Tip

Imagine a shiny, metallic spring (the 'lock' aspect) that looks like a tall, slender reed swaying in the wind. The pronunciation 'huáng' can be remembered by associating it with the word 'honk,' which sounds similar, as if the reed is making a sound when it sways.

Meanings of 簧

huáng(huang2)
1reed; lock, metal spring
2metallic reed
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 簧

Simplified
17Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 簧

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AI Study Notes for 簧

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a shiny, metallic spring (the 'lock' aspect) that looks like a tall, slender reed swaying in the wind. The pronunciation 'huáng' can be remembered by associating it with the word 'honk,' which sounds similar, as if the reed is making a sound when it sways.

Usage Notes

Be cautious when using 簧 in conversation, as it is more specialized and may not be understood by all speakers. It is often found in technical contexts, such as music or locksmithing, and is not typically used in everyday language. Ensure you are using the correct tone (2nd tone) to avoid confusion with other words.

HSK Study Tips

Although 簧 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other HSK 5 vocabulary related to music and tools. Students should focus on understanding its uses in specific contexts and practice with related words like 锁 (lock) and 乐器 (musical instrument).

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese music, the use of reeds in instruments like the sheng (a type of mouth organ) is significant, reflecting the cultural importance of music in Chinese society. The character 簧 embodies this connection between natural materials and musical expression.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 簧 with other similar-sounding words, such as 黄 (huáng), which means 'yellow.' Remember that 簧 relates to reeds and springs, while 黄 refers to color. A common mistake is saying '我喜欢簧' (I like huáng) when referring to a color instead of '黄'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 簧

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Etymology of 簧

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 黄 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

bamboo

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 簧?

Decomposition of 簧

IDS Structure⿱⺮黄
Full Character
=
zhu2
top
Huang2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 簧?

Write 簧

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 簧

簧 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 3 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

燃料泵里的两个弹____都断了。

Both springs in the fuel pump were broken.

Example Sentences for 簧 (9)

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1
燃料泵里的两个弹簧都断了。

rán liào bèng lǐ de liǎng gè dàn huáng dū duàn le。

Both springs in the fuel pump were broken.
2
双簧管和单簧管有些相似之处。

shuāng huáng guǎn hé dān huáng guǎn yǒu xiē xiāng sì zhī chǔ。

The oboe and the clarinet have got certain features in common.
3
主旋律由两支单簧管奏出。

zhǔ xuán lǜ yóu liǎng zhī dān huáng guǎn zòu chū。

The melodic line is carried by the two clarinets.
4
弹簧刀

dàn huáng dāo

a knife with a retractable blade
5
伦尼晃了一下,然后倒在了地上,他的弹簧刀刺穿了自己的身体。

lún ní huǎng le yī xià, , rán hòu dǎo zài le dì, shàng , tā de dàn huáng dāo cì chuān le zì jǐ de。

Lenny swayed for a moment, then dropped to the ground, impaling himself on his switchblade.
6
低音单簧管在木管乐组中形成浓重的低音.

dī yīn dān huáng guǎn zài mù guǎn lè zǔ zhōng xíng chéng nóng zhòng de dī yīn.

The bass clarinet forms a solid bass for the woodwind group.
7
用3.5号哨片能成为职业单簧管演奏家 吗 ?

yòng3.5 3.5 hào shào piàn néng chéng wéi zhí yè dān huáng guǎn yǎn zòu jiā?

Can one become a professional clarinetist on a 5 reed?
8
别在床上乱蹦--你要把弹簧弄断了!

bié zài chuáng shàng luàn bèng-- -- nǐ yào bǎ dàn huáng nòng duàn!

Don't bounce on the bed you'll break the springs!
9
这出“双簧”演技虽然不咋的,却收到“金蝉脱壳”之功.

zhè chū“ “ shuāng” huáng ” yǎn jì suī rán bù, zǎ de ,“ què shōu dào “” jīn chán.

This choreographed pas de deux prevented the issue overwhelming all others.

Cultural Notes for 簧

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese music, the use of reeds in instruments like the sheng (a type of mouth organ) is significant, reflecting the cultural importance of music in Chinese society. The character 簧 embodies this connection between natural materials and musical expression.

Word Family of 簧

Words Containing This Character12
弹簧spring彈簧
huángmetallic reed
双簧an oboe or bassoon雙簧
双簧管double reed wind instrument (such as oboe or bassoon)雙簧管
巧舌如簧fig. to have a glib tongue
单簧管clarinet單簧管
簧片reed (music)
弹簧刀flick knife彈簧刀
弹簧锁spring lock彈簧鎖
弹簧秤spring balance彈簧秤
弹簧门swing door彈簧門
如簧之舌fig. a glib tongue
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 弹簧 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 簧

While 簧 specifically refers to reed or springs, 音 (yīn) pertains to sound or tone, highlighting the distinction between materials and their auditory properties.