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膈 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
diaphragmn, 14 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #36452, Very Hard
diaphragm (anatomy)unknown, 14 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #36452, Very Hard
(ge2) T2
  1. 1diaphragm
  2. 2diaphragm (anatomy)
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March 24, 2026
(ge2)

The character 膈 (gé) refers to the diaphragm, which is a crucial muscle in human anatomy that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. It plays a vital role in breathing by contracting and allowing air to enter the lungs. This term is commonly used in medical contexts or discussions about anatomy.

Strokes14RadicalFrequency#36452DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the diaphragm is considered crucial for the flow of 'qi' and is often discussed in relation to breathing exercises and health practices, reflecting the importance of breath in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Think of the character 膈 as a visual representation of the muscle that divides the body. The left side, with the radical '肉' (meat), hints at its biological nature, while the right side '各' suggests separation, like the diaphragm divides the chest from the abdomen. Imagine a large, strong 'guy' (sounds like 'gé') lifting his chest up and down as he breathes.

Meanings of 膈

(ge2)
1diaphragm
2diaphragm (anatomy)
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 膈

Simplified
14Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 膈

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AI Study Notes for 膈

Memory Mnemonic

Think of the character 膈 as a visual representation of the muscle that divides the body. The left side, with the radical '肉' (meat), hints at its biological nature, while the right side '各' suggests separation, like the diaphragm divides the chest from the abdomen. Imagine a large, strong 'guy' (sounds like 'gé') lifting his chest up and down as he breathes.

Usage Notes

膈 is primarily used in medical or anatomical discussions, making it more formal than everyday vocabulary. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words like '隔' (gé), which means 'to separate' but is used in different contexts. Be cautious with tonal pronunciation; 'gé' must be pronounced with the second tone, not the first.

HSK Study Tips

膈 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it aligns with vocabulary related to health and anatomy, which may be encountered in higher-level studies. Students should focus on related terms such as '呼吸' (hūxī, to breathe) to build a contextual understanding.

Cultural Note

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the diaphragm is considered crucial for the flow of 'qi' and is often discussed in relation to breathing exercises and health practices, reflecting the importance of breath in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 膈 with the character '隔' (gé), which means 'to separate' in a more general sense. For example, saying '我有一个膈' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè gé) to mean 'I have a separation' would be incorrect; it should be used specifically in anatomical contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 膈

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Etymology of 膈

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

flesh

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 膈?

Decomposition of 膈

IDS Structure⿰⺼鬲
Full Character
=
rou4
left
Ge2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 膈?

Write 膈

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 膈

膈 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 1

Complete the Sentence

胃胀使____升高也会减少肺的容积.

Gastric distention may also reduce lung volume by elevating the diaphragm.

Example Sentences for 膈 (1)

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1
胃胀使膈升高也会减少肺的容积.

wèi zhàng shǐ gé shēng gāo yě huì jiǎn shǎo fèi de róng jī.

Gastric distention may also reduce lung volume by elevating the diaphragm.

Cultural Notes for 膈

🏮Cultural insight

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the diaphragm is considered crucial for the flow of 'qi' and is often discussed in relation to breathing exercises and health practices, reflecting the importance of breath in Chinese culture.

Word Family of 膈

Words Containing This Character3
diaphragm (anatomy)
横膈膜diaphragm橫膈膜
膈膜diaphragm (anatomy)
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 膈 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 膈

The diaphragm contracts to create a vacuum that allows air to flow into the lungs, playing a central role in the breathing process.