Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
閎 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
hóngbarrier, gate; vast, wide; to expandx, 12 strokes, radical 門, Very Hard
hóng(hong2) T2
  1. 1barrier, gate; vast, wide; to expand
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
hóng(hong2)

The character 閎 (hóng) primarily means 'gate' or 'barrier,' often used in contexts referring to large openings or entrances. It can also convey the idea of something being vast or wide, as well as the notion of expansion. This character may be found in literary or formal discussions about architecture or metaphorically to describe opportunities and growth.

Strokes12RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The concept of gates and barriers holds significant cultural meaning in Chinese history, often symbolizing thresholds to new phases in life or opportunities, such as in the tradition of 'crossing the threshold' during festivals.

Memory Tip

Imagine a grand gate (閎) that opens wide (the top part resembles an arch) to allow vast fields of opportunity to enter. The sound 'hóng' can be remembered by thinking of a horn that announces the arrival of this expansive gate.

Meanings of 閎

hóng(hong2)
1barrier, gate; vast, wide; to expand
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 閎

Simplified
12Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 閎

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 閎

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a grand gate (閎) that opens wide (the top part resembles an arch) to allow vast fields of opportunity to enter. The sound 'hóng' can be remembered by thinking of a horn that announces the arrival of this expansive gate.

Usage Notes

When using 閎, be mindful that it is more formal and might not be appropriate in casual conversation. Common collocations include terms related to architecture and literature. A common mistake is confusing it with simpler characters for 'gate' like 门 (mén), which denotes a regular door.

HSK Study Tips

Although 閎 is not part of the official HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary around buildings and spaces. Students should focus on recognizing its components and understanding its use in more sophisticated texts, especially those discussing architecture or philosophy.

Cultural Note

The concept of gates and barriers holds significant cultural meaning in Chinese history, often symbolizing thresholds to new phases in life or opportunities, such as in the tradition of 'crossing the threshold' during festivals.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 閎 with simpler characters for 'gate' like 门 (mén) or mispronounce it as 'máng,' which is incorrect. Correct pronunciation is 'hóng,' emphasizing the 'h' sound.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 閎

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 閎

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

gate

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 閎?

Decomposition of 閎

IDS Structure⿵門厷
Full Character
=
men2
enclosing
gong1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 閎?

Write 閎

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 閎

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of gates and barriers holds significant cultural meaning in Chinese history, often symbolizing thresholds to new phases in life or opportunities, such as in the tradition of 'crossing the threshold' during festivals.

Word Family of 閎

Words Containing This Character1
hóngbig
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 闳 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 閎

No, 閎 is more commonly found in literary or formal contexts rather than everyday speech.