Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
冈(岡)gāng(gang1)
The character 冈 (gāng) refers to a ridge or crest, typically of a hill or mound. It is often used in geographical contexts to describe elevated landforms, and can also appear in compound words related to landscapes or topography.
Strokes4Radical冂Frequency#9784DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of ridges and hills is often associated with feng shui, where the placement of hills is believed to influence energy flow. The term 冈 is also found in the names of several geographical features in China, highlighting its relevance in local geography.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 冈 as a mountain peak with a sharp ridge. The top part resembles a mountain with its pointed peak, while the horizontal line below represents the flat top of the ridge. Think of 'gāng' as the sound of a gong that echoes from the mountaintop.
Meanings of 冈
gāng(gang1)
1ridge or crest of hill
2ridge
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 冈
冈Simplified
岡Traditional
4Strokes
冂Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 冈
Podcast: 冈
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 冈
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine the character 冈 as a mountain peak with a sharp ridge. The top part resembles a mountain with its pointed peak, while the horizontal line below represents the flat top of the ridge. Think of 'gāng' as the sound of a gong that echoes from the mountaintop.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 冈 as it carries a high-level tone (gāng). Common collocations include phrases related to geography, such as 冈脊 (gāngjǐ) meaning 'ridge'. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, like 刚 (gāng) meaning 'just'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 冈 is not included in the HSK levels, it is useful for learners focusing on geography or environmental topics. Students should connect this character with related words about landforms and nature, enhancing their vocabulary in descriptive contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of ridges and hills is often associated with feng shui, where the placement of hills is believed to influence energy flow. The term 冈 is also found in the names of several geographical features in China, highlighting its relevance in local geography.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 冈 with other characters that sound similar, such as 刚 (gāng). Remember that 冈 specifically refers to a ridge or crest, while 刚 means 'just' or 'sturdy'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 冈
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 冈 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation
Simplified form of 岡. Phonosemantic compound. 山 represents the meaning and 网 represents the sound. The traditional component 山 was removed for simplification.
Memory Hint
Simplified form of 岡, clouds 网 forming over a mountain 山
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 冈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 冈
冈 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
费利佩·____萨雷斯在西班牙选举中获得第4次连任。
Felipe Gonzalez won a fourth term of office in Spain's election.
Example Sentences for 冈 (8)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
费利佩·冈萨雷斯在西班牙选举中获得第4次连任。
fèi lì pèi· · gāng sà léi sī zài xī bān yá xuǎn jǔ zhōng huò dé4 dì 4 cì。
Felipe Gonzalez won a fourth term of office in Spain's election.
gāng dìng cháng jiǔ dì níng shì zhè gè lái kè, , bǎ tā zī xì dǎ liáng le yī, fān , jiē zháo qiáo qǐ chén zhòng de.
Gondin sized the new comer up with a lengthy stare, thrust out a heavy jaw.
Cultural Notes for 冈
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of ridges and hills is often associated with feng shui, where the placement of hills is believed to influence energy flow. The term 冈 is also found in the names of several geographical features in China, highlighting its relevance in local geography.
Word Family of 冈
Words Containing This Character14
冈gāngridge岡
井冈山Jinggang Mountains, in the Jiangxi-Hunan border region井岡山
梵蒂冈Vatican City梵蒂岡
俄勒冈州Oregon俄勒岡州
俄勒冈Oregon俄勒岡
福冈Fukuoka, city in Kyushyu, Japan福岡
黄冈Huanggang prefecture-level city in Hubei黃岡
冈比亚Gambia岡比亞
黄冈市Huanggang prefecture-level city in Hubei黃岡市
静冈县Shizuoka prefecture southwest of Tokyo, Japan靜岡縣
山冈shāngāngmound山岡
凤冈县Fenggang county in Zun'yi 遵義|遵义[Zūnyì], Guizhou鳳岡縣
凤冈Fenggang county in Zun'yi 遵義|遵义[Zūnyì], Guizhou鳳岡
云冈石窟Yungang Caves at Datong 大同, Shanxi 山西雲岡石窟
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 冈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 冈
It means 'ridge' or 'crest', often used to describe elevated landforms.
You can say 冈脊 (gāngjǐ) to refer to a mountain ridge.
It's more specific to geographical contexts, so it's less common in everyday conversation unless discussing landscapes.
