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March 24, 2026
髡kūn(kun1)
The character 髡 (kūn) primarily refers to the act of shearing or cutting hair, especially in the context of an ancient punishment that involved shaving the head. This term also has historical connotations related to corporal punishment, where a person might be made bald as a form of humiliation or penalty. It is rarely used in modern contexts and is more relevant in discussions of history or literature.
Strokes13Radical髟Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the practice of shaving a person's head as a punishment was a way to signify disgrace and was often used in the context of crime and punishment, reflecting the societal values of the time.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'kun' (髡) of sheep being sheared for wool, which reminds you of cutting hair. Visualize the sheep looking embarrassed after losing all its wool, just like a person might feel after being punished with a shaved head.
Meanings of 髡
kūn(kun1)
1to shear a tree; an ancient punishment
2scalping
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 髡
髡Simplified
13Strokes
髟Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 髡
Podcast: 髡
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AI Study Notes for 髡
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'kun' (髡) of sheep being sheared for wool, which reminds you of cutting hair. Visualize the sheep looking embarrassed after losing all its wool, just like a person might feel after being punished with a shaved head.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the use of 髡, as it is rarely used in contemporary language and may come off as overly formal or literary. In discussions of punishment or historical contexts, be clear that you are referring to an ancient practice to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As this character is not included in the HSK levels, focus on understanding its historical significance and relation to characters associated with punishment and appearance. This can help in expanding vocabulary related to history and culture.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the practice of shaving a person's head as a punishment was a way to signify disgrace and was often used in the context of crime and punishment, reflecting the societal values of the time.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 髡 with similar characters related to hair, such as 发 (fà), which means 'hair' in a general sense. Remember that 髡 specifically refers to the act of shearing or cutting hair due to punishment.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 髡
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Cultural Notes for 髡
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, the practice of shaving a person's head as a punishment was a way to signify disgrace and was often used in the context of crime and punishment, reflecting the societal values of the time.
Word Family of 髡
Words Containing This Character1
髡kūnscalping
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 髡 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 髡
髡 is not commonly used in modern language, but it historically refers to shaving the head as a punishment.
No, 髡 is mostly found in historical texts or discussions about ancient practices.
髡 is pronounced as 'kūn', with a high and level tone.
