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March 24, 2026
龕kān(kan1)
The character 龕 (kān) refers to a niche or shrine, often used to describe a small alcove or space designed for holding religious artifacts or statues. It is commonly found in temples or homes where worship takes place, reflecting a space of reverence and spiritual significance.
Strokes22Radical龍Frequency#86862DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, shrines play an important role in ancestor worship and various religious practices, which emphasizes the significance of 龕 in maintaining traditions and connecting with spirituality.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, sacred cave (龕) where a statue of a deity sits. The cave's shape resembles the character itself, which can help you remember both the form and the meaning. Visualize the sounds of 'kān' echoing softly in this tranquil space.
Meanings of 龕
kān(kan1)
1niche, shrine
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 龕
龕Simplified
22Strokes
龍Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 龕
Podcast: 龕
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AI Study Notes for 龕
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small, sacred cave (龕) where a statue of a deity sits. The cave's shape resembles the character itself, which can help you remember both the form and the meaning. Visualize the sounds of 'kān' echoing softly in this tranquil space.
Usage Notes
This character is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, often related to religion or traditional architecture. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters like 殿 (diàn), which means temple or hall.
HSK Study Tips
Although 龕 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be useful for students interested in cultural studies or religious vocabulary. Focus on recognizing it in texts about Buddhism or Taoism, as it may appear in descriptions of shrines.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, shrines play an important role in ancestor worship and various religious practices, which emphasizes the significance of 龕 in maintaining traditions and connecting with spirituality.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 龕 with similar characters, such as 堂 (táng), which means hall. Remember, 龕 refers specifically to niches or shrines, while 堂 refers to larger gathering spaces.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 龕
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Cultural Notes for 龕
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, shrines play an important role in ancestor worship and various religious practices, which emphasizes the significance of 龕 in maintaining traditions and connecting with spirituality.
Word Family of 龕
Words Containing This Character4
神龛shrine神龕
龛kānniche龕
壁龛niche (in a wall)壁龕
佛龛niche for statue (esp. Buddhist, Christian etc)佛龕
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 神龛 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 龕
龕 specifically refers to a niche or small shrine, while characters such as 寺 (sì) denote a larger temple.
No, 龕 is more commonly found in literary or formal texts rather than in everyday speech.
You can associate 'kān' with the sound of a calm space where one might reflect or pray.
