unknown, 4 strokes, radical 冂, rank #9784, Very Hard
冈
gāng
mound
unknown, 4 strokes, radical 冂, rank #9784, Very Hard
gāng(gang1)gang T1
1ridge or crest of hill
2ridge
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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#9784DifficultyVery Hard
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 冈 means.
About 冈
冈Simplified
岡Traditional
4Strokes
冂Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 冈
Podcast: 冈
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AI Study Notes for 冈
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.
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
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How Well Do You Know 冈?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 冈 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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
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.
When to use 冈
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'.
What learners get wrong
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'.
Write 冈
冈
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Practice writing 冈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
