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March 24, 2026
航háng(hang2)
The character 航 (háng) refers primarily to navigation and travel, particularly by water or air. It is commonly used in contexts involving ships, flying, and the movement of vessels, emphasizing the act of sailing or navigating through a medium, be it water or air.
Strokes10Radical舟Frequency#6060DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, navigation and seafaring have historical significance, especially during the Age of Exploration when Chinese mariners, like Zheng He, sailed vast distances. This character embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery.
Memory Tip
Think of 航 (háng) as a ship (the left side looks like a hull) sailing across the horizon (the right side resembles waves). Imagine a captain shouting '航!' as they set sail, emphasizing the journey ahead.
Meanings of 航
háng(hang2)
1boat
2ship
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About 航
航Simplified
10Strokes
舟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6060Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3
Podcast: 航
Podcast: 航
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AI Study Notes for 航
Quick Contrast
航 (háng) vs 航行 (hángxíng) — use 航 for a general reference to navigation, while 航行 specifically refers to the act of navigating or sailing.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 航 (háng) as a ship (the left side looks like a hull) sailing across the horizon (the right side resembles waves). Imagine a captain shouting '航!' as they set sail, emphasizing the journey ahead.
Usage Notes
Be cautious about the tone; 'háng' must be pronounced with a rising tone to convey the correct meaning. Common phrases include 航空 (hángkōng - aviation) and 航道 (hángdào - navigation channel). It is used in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 航 is not listed in HSK levels, it connects well with related words like 航空 (aviation) and 航海 (navigation). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in compound words to expand their vocabulary effectively.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, navigation and seafaring have historical significance, especially during the Age of Exploration when Chinese mariners, like Zheng He, sailed vast distances. This character embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 航 (háng) with 行 (xíng), which means to walk or to go. For example, saying 航路 instead of 行路 is incorrect when discussing a route for walking; it should be 行路 (xínglù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 航
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Grammar Patterns of 航
航 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 7 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.
In Chinese culture, navigation and seafaring have historical significance, especially during the Age of Exploration when Chinese mariners, like Zheng He, sailed vast distances. This character embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery.
航 (háng) is often found in phrases related to travel, such as 航空 (hángkōng), meaning 'aviation,' and 航线 (hángxiàn), which refers to a 'shipping route.' These phrases emphasize its connection to transportation and navigation in both air and sea travel.
You can use 航 (háng) in sentences like '我们将航行到下一个港口' (wǒmen jiāng hángxíng dào xià yī gè gǎngkǒu), which means 'We will sail to the next port.' Additionally, in the context of aviation, you might say '飞机航行在蓝天' (fēijī hángxíng zài lántiān), meaning 'The airplane is flying in the blue sky.'
航 (háng) primarily means 'to navigate' or 'to sail.' It can also refer to a 'boat,' 'ship,' or 'craft.' This character is commonly used in contexts related to travel and transportation, particularly in aviation and maritime discussions.
航 in 航空 refers to the concept of navigation in the air, encompassing all aspects of flying and aircraft operations.
No, 航 specifically relates to water and air travel, so it is not appropriate for land vehicles.
Yes, expressions like 航海梦 (hánghǎi mèng - dream of sailing) reflect aspirations in navigation and exploration.
