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March 24, 2026
齦kěn(ken3)
The character 齦 (kěn) refers specifically to the gums in the mouth, which are the soft tissues that surround the base of the teeth. In medical or dental contexts, this term is often used to describe conditions related to gum health, such as gingivitis. It is not commonly used in daily conversation but appears in more specialized discussions about oral health.
Strokes21Radical齒Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the health of the gums is believed to reflect overall bodily health, and various remedies may be prescribed to improve gum condition. This reflects a holistic view of health prevalent in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'ken' (kěn) dog who has healthy, strong gums. The character 齦 features the radical 齒 (tooth) on the left, reminding you of its connection to dental health. Picture this dog showing off its shiny teeth, supported by healthy gums, to reinforce the meaning.
Meanings of 齦
kěn(ken3)
1gums
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About 齦
齦Simplified
21Strokes
齒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 齦
Podcast: 齦
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AI Study Notes for 齦
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'ken' (kěn) dog who has healthy, strong gums. The character 齦 features the radical 齒 (tooth) on the left, reminding you of its connection to dental health. Picture this dog showing off its shiny teeth, supported by healthy gums, to reinforce the meaning.
Usage Notes
This term is generally used in formal or medical contexts rather than casual conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with related terms for teeth (齒) or mouth (口). Common collocations include 齦炎 (gingivitis) and 齦出血 (gum bleeding).
HSK Study Tips
Although 齦 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to the HSK 4 topic of health and body. Students should familiarize themselves with dental and health-related vocabulary at this level, focusing on the contexts in which 齦 might appear.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the health of the gums is believed to reflect overall bodily health, and various remedies may be prescribed to improve gum condition. This reflects a holistic view of health prevalent in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 齦 (gums) with 齒 (teeth) due to their similar contexts. For example, saying 齦 (gums) when referring to a dental procedure might lead to misunderstandings; ensure you use 齒 (teeth) when discussing teeth-related issues.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 齦
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Cultural Notes for 齦
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the health of the gums is believed to reflect overall bodily health, and various remedies may be prescribed to improve gum condition. This reflects a holistic view of health prevalent in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 齦
Words Containing This Character6
牙龈gums牙齦
龈kěnto gnaw齦
牙龈炎gingivitis牙齦炎
齿龈gum齒齦
龈炎gingivitis齦炎
齿龈炎gingivitis齒齦炎
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 牙龈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 齦
The character 齦 is pronounced as 'kěn', with a falling tone.
Use 齦 in contexts discussing dental health, particularly in medical or formal settings.
While 齦 specifically means 'gums', you might encounter related terms like 牙龈 (yáyín) which also means 'gums'.
