Meanings of 鞏
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鞏
Podcast: 鞏
Podcast: 鞏
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 鞏
巩 (gǒng) vs 强 (qiáng) — choose 鞏 when emphasizing reinforcement or security, while 强 focuses on strength or power.
Learners often confuse 鞏 with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to the tones; 鞏 is pronounced with a falling tone (gǒng). This word is more formal and is often used in written contexts, such as academic or legal documents, rather than informal speech.
While 鞏 is not found in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to words related to strength and security, like 强 (qiáng) meaning 'strong'. Focus on understanding the radicals and components that make up 鞏 to enhance vocabulary retention.
Learners might mistakenly use 鞏 in informal contexts or confuse it with similar characters. For instance, using 鞏 instead of 强 (qiáng) when describing someone's character strength is incorrect; the former is more about binding or securing.
Pronunciation of 鞏
Drill the tone of 鞏 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 鞏
Phonosemantic compound. 凡 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鞏.
Leather 革 bindings 巩; 巩 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鞏
Phonosemantic compound. 凡 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鞏.
- 1The giveawayLeather 革 bindings 巩; 巩 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鞏? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 鞏?
Decomposition of 鞏
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 鞏?
How to say to bind, to guard, to strengthen; firm, secure, strong in Chinese
“to bind, to guard, to strengthen; firm, secure, strong” in Chinese is鞏
The character 鞏 (gǒng) primarily means to bind or strengthen something, conveying a sense of security and firmness. It is commonly used in contexts related to reinforcing relationships, structures, or agreements. The nuance emphasizes reliability and the act of making something more robust.
When to use 鞏
Learners often confuse 鞏 with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to the tones; 鞏 is pronounced with a falling tone (gǒng). This word is more formal and is often used in written contexts, such as academic or legal documents, rather than informal speech.
鞏 or something close to it
巩 (gǒng) vs 强 (qiáng) — choose 鞏 when emphasizing reinforcement or security, while 强 focuses on strength or power.
What learners get wrong
Learners might mistakenly use 鞏 in informal contexts or confuse it with similar characters. For instance, using 鞏 instead of 强 (qiáng) when describing someone's character strength is incorrect; the former is more about binding or securing.
Write 鞏
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 鞏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 鞏
Compound Meaning
What does 巩固 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鞏
It's typically used in formal contexts, such as discussing strategies to strengthen a relationship or organization.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 鞏?
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.