Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
郎láng(Lang2)
The character 郎 (láng) primarily denotes a young man or gentleman, and can also refer to an official or minister in historical contexts. It is often used in compound words to imply a certain status or role, such as in '郎中' (lángzhōng) meaning a physician or '新郎' (xīnláng) meaning groom.
Strokes8Radical阝Frequency#3539DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese weddings, the groom is referred to as 新郎 (xīnláng), signifying his role and status in the ceremony, which reflects the importance of formal titles in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a young man (郎) wearing a long robe, symbolizing both youth and the role of an official. The character has a roof radical (阝) suggesting a place of authority, and the pronunciation 'láng' can be remembered by linking it to 'long,' as in the long journey of a young man becoming an official.
Meanings of 郎
láng(Lang2)
1(arch.) minister
2official
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 郎 means.
About 郎
郎Simplified
8Strokes
阝Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#3539Frequency Rank
Podcast: 郎
Podcast: 郎
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 郎
Quick Contrast
小伙 (xiǎohuǒ) - use 郎 (láng) for a more formal or respectful tone, while 小伙 (xiǎohuǒ) is more casual.
Usage Notes
郎 (láng) is often used in formal contexts, particularly when referring to gentlemen or young men. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar sounding characters like 狼 (láng, wolf) and using it in informal contexts where other words might be more appropriate, such as 小伙子 (xiǎohuǒzi) for a young man.
HSK Study Tips
This character is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists but is useful for learners aiming for higher proficiency. Students should focus on its use in compounds and connections to other characters that denote status or roles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 郎 (láng) with other characters that sound similar, such as 狼 (láng). For example, saying '他是个狼' (tā shì gè láng) instead of '他是个郎' (tā shì gè láng) when referring to a young man is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 郎
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 郎 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 郎 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 郎?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 郎 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
Phonosemantic compound. ⻏ represents the meaning and 良 represents the sound. Originally a place name for what is now Shandong province. Unrelated to current meaning.
Memory Hint
A man from a good 良 place 阝; 良 also provides the pronunciation
The character 郎 (láng) primarily denotes a young man or gentleman, and can also refer to an official or minister in historical contexts. It is often used in compound words to imply a certain status or role, such as in '郎中' (lángzhōng) meaning a physician or '新郎' (xīnláng) meaning groom.
When to use 郎
郎 (láng) is often used in formal contexts, particularly when referring to gentlemen or young men. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar sounding characters like 狼 (láng, wolf) and using it in informal contexts where other words might be more appropriate, such as 小伙子 (xiǎohuǒzi) for a young man.
郎 or something close to it
小伙 (xiǎohuǒ) - use 郎 (láng) for a more formal or respectful tone, while 小伙 (xiǎohuǒ) is more casual.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 郎 (láng) with other characters that sound similar, such as 狼 (láng). For example, saying '他是个狼' (tā shì gè láng) instead of '他是个郎' (tā shì gè láng) when referring to a young man is incorrect.
Write 郎
郎
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 郎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 郎
郎 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 6 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他们同意将这幅画的价格提至4,500法____。
They agreed to bid the picture up to 4,500 francs.
Example Sentences for 郎 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们同意将这幅画的价格提至4,500法郎。
tā mén tóng yì jiāng zhè fú huà de jià gé tí zhì4,500 4,500 fǎ。
They agreed to bid the picture up to 4,500 francs.
He described Mr Long as cold, calculating and manipulative.
8
现在的电视节目为什么这么喜欢描写老男人和妙龄性感女郎的故事呢？
xiàn zài de diàn shì jié mù wéi shí mó zhè mó xǐ huān miáo xiě lǎo nán rén hé miào líng xìng gǎn nǚ láng de gù shì ne？
What is this current television obsession with older men and nubile young women?
9
观画者老何郎也 ” .
guān huà zhě lǎo hé láng yě”.
Old He Lang is the one who watched me paint. "
10
看完画, 他问我: “ 老何郎是谁 呀 ?
kàn wán huà, , tā wèn:“ wǒ : “ lǎo hé láng shì?
" Who's Old He Lang? " he asked me after looking at the picture.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 郎?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 郎
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the term 'groom' is straightforwardly used without the additional nuance of status that '郎' carries in Chinese, where it implies societal roles.
Word Family of 郎
Compounds9
廊lang2corridor
螂lang2mantis, dung beetle
榔lang2betel-nut tree
啷lang1a clanging or rattling sound
嫏
郷
鎯
瑯lang2pure, white; cornelian
蓈
Words Containing This Character20
郎lángofficial
女郎maiden
新郎xīnlánggroom
伴郎best man
法郎franc
小泉纯一郎KOIZUMI Jun'ichirō (1942-), Japanese LDP politician, prime minister 2001-2006小泉純一郎
郎中doctor (Chinese medicine)
侍郎ancient official title
郎平Jenny Lang Ping (1960-), Chinese volleyball player, coach of USA women's national team since 2005
牛郎Altair (star)
郎君pimp
瑞士法郎Swiss franc (currency)
二郎腿one leg over the other (legs crossed)
麻生太郎ASŌ Tarō (1940-), Japanese entrepreneur and LDP politician, prime minister from 2008
情郎boyfriend
江郎才尽to have writer's block江郎才盡
郎朗Lang Lang (1982-), Chinese concert pianist
令郎your esteemed son (honorific)
夜郎small barbarian kingdom in southern China during the Han dynasty
牛郎织女separated lovers牛郎織女
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 郎
What does 廊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 郎
Common expressions include 新郎 (xīnláng, groom) and 郎中 (lángzhōng, physician), both indicating specific roles.
'郎' is still used today, especially in formal contexts or in compounds, but is less common in everyday conversation.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 郎?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.
