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March 24, 2026
耿gěng(Geng3)
The character 耿 (gěng) primarily means bright or shining, often used to describe someone who is brave and loyal. It can also convey a sense of honesty and uprightness, making it a positive descriptor. In addition, it serves as a surname, particularly in Chinese-speaking regions.
Strokes10Radical耳Frequency#57846DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, traits like bravery and loyalty are highly valued, often reflected in historical figures and literature. The surname 耿 is not very common but has notable figures in Chinese history, enhancing its cultural significance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bright star (the character 耿) shining in the night sky, representing bravery and loyalty. The left part, 耳 (ěr), resembles an ear, suggesting listening closely to the honest and upright nature of a true friend. The right part, 更 (gèng), means 'more' or 'to become,' emphasizing the brightness and integrity one can aspire to.
Meanings of 耿
gěng(Geng3)
1bright, shining; brave, loyal
2honest
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 耿
耿Simplified
10Strokes
耳Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 耿
Podcast: 耿
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AI Study Notes for 耿
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 耿 with similar-sounding words, like 更 (gèng), which can lead to miscommunication. This character is relatively formal and is often used in literary contexts or to describe admirable qualities in people. Be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it as 'geng' with a flat tone alters its meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 耿 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, its components and usage can be connected to HSK Level 3 words like 更 (gèng) and 亮 (liàng), which also relate to brightness. Focus on the context of usage and the positive attributes it represents to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 耿 with the character 更 (gèng), which means 'more.' For example, saying '我觉得他更好' (I think he is bright) instead of using '耿' would be incorrect in this context. Always ensure you use the right character to convey the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 耿
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 耿?
Decomposition of 耿
IDS Structure⿰耳火
耿Full Character
=
耳er3
left
火Huo3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 耿?
How to say surname Geng in Chinese
“surname Geng” in Chinese is耿gěng
The character 耿 (gěng) primarily means bright or shining, often used to describe someone who is brave and loyal. It can also convey a sense of honesty and uprightness, making it a positive descriptor. In addition, it serves as a surname, particularly in Chinese-speaking regions.
When to use 耿
Learners often confuse 耿 with similar-sounding words, like 更 (gèng), which can lead to miscommunication. This character is relatively formal and is often used in literary contexts or to describe admirable qualities in people. Be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it as 'geng' with a flat tone alters its meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is confusing 耿 with the character 更 (gèng), which means 'more.' For example, saying '我觉得他更好' (I think he is bright) instead of using '耿' would be incorrect in this context. Always ensure you use the right character to convey the intended meaning.
Write 耿
耿
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Practice writing 耿 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 耿
耿 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 4 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
唯一使我____耿于怀的就是她那些关于爱尔兰的言论。
The only thing that rankles me is what she says about Ireland.
Example Sentences for 耿 (4)
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1
唯一使我耿耿于怀的就是她那些关于爱尔兰的言论。
wéi yī shǐ wǒ gěng gěng yú huái de jiù shì tā nà xiē guān yú ài ěr lán de yán lùn。
The only thing that rankles me is what she says about Ireland.
2
她对马内家族忠心耿耿。
tā duì mǎ nèi jiā zú zhōng xīn gěng gěng。
She had developed strong loyalties to the Manet family.
3
他已经忠心耿耿地为巴克莱银行效力了20年。
tā yǐ jīng zhōng xīn gěng gěng dì wéi bā kè lái yín háng xiào lì le20 20。
He has 20 years of loyal service to Barclays Bank behind him.
