Meanings of 罄
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 罄
Podcast: 罄
Podcast: 罄
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 罄
耗 (hào) vs 罄 (qìng): use 耗 when focusing on the process of consumption or waste; use 罄 to emphasize total depletion.
To remember 罄 (qìng), visualize a barrel (the radical 罒) that has been tipped over and is completely empty, signifying it has been 'exhausted' of its contents. The sound 'qìng' can be associated with the idea of a 'king' ('q') who has used up all his resources in a grand battle, leaving him empty-handed.
Common mistakes include confusing 罄 (qìng) with similar-sounding characters that may have different meanings. It is typically used in more formal contexts, so learners should be cautious when using it in casual conversation. Phrases like '罄竹难书' (to exhaust the bamboo, meaning too many things to list) are common collocations.
Though 罄 (qìng) is not part of HSK vocabulary, it shares semantic fields with other words related to emptiness and exhaustion, such as 空 (kōng, empty) and 用尽 (yòng jìn, to use up). Students should focus on recognizing its use in literary contexts.
The concept of exhaustion is often reflected in Chinese literature and philosophy, where the idea of depleting one's resources or spirit can symbolize sacrifice or commitment. This character may appear in historical texts discussing resource management or moral integrity.
Learners often confuse 罄 (qìng) with 空 (kōng), thinking both mean 'empty,' but 罄 emphasizes total depletion. For example, saying '罄的水' (empty water) is incorrect; it should be '空的水'.
Pronunciation of 罄
Drill the tone of 罄 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 罄
Phonosemantic compound. 缶 represents the meaning and 殸 represents the sound.
pottery
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 罄?
Decomposition of 罄
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 罄?
Write 罄
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 罄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 罄
罄 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. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
演出门票在70分钟内即告售____。
Tickets for the show sold out in 70 minutes.
Example Sentences for 罄 (1)
Cultural Notes for 罄
The concept of exhaustion is often reflected in Chinese literature and philosophy, where the idea of depleting one's resources or spirit can symbolize sacrifice or commitment. This character may appear in historical texts discussing resource management or moral integrity.
Word Family of 罄
Compound Meaning
What does 罄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 罄
It is pronounced as 'qìng' with a falling tone.