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哏 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
哏génthe clamor of an argument; funny; oddv, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏géninterestingunknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏génalso used as an exclamation of angerunknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏génold variant of 狠[hen3]unknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏génold variant of 很[hen3]unknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěnthe clamor of an argument; funny; oddv, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěninterestingunknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěnalso used as an exclamation of angerunknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěnold variant of 狠[hen3]unknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
哏hěnold variant of 很[hen3]unknown, 9 strokes, radical 口, rank #52540, Very Hard
gén(gen2)
primary
T2
  1. 1the clamor of an argument; funny; odd
  2. 2interesting
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

哏gén(gen2)

The character 哏 (gén) primarily refers to something that is funny, odd, or interesting. It can also denote a clamor associated with an argument or conflict. Though less common today, it serves as an expression of anger or frustration, often found in informal contexts.

Strokes9Radical口Frequency#52540DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, humor often stems from wordplay and social interactions, making 哏 relevant in comedic contexts such as stand-up routines or everyday banter among friends.

Memory Tip

Imagine a funny comedian who makes you laugh so hard that you can't help but exclaim 'gén!' This sound captures the essence of humor and oddness, much like how the character itself combines elements of laughter and curiosity.

Meanings of 哏

gén(gen2)
primary
1the clamor of an argument; funny; odd
2interesting
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 哏

哏Simplified
9Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 哏

JasonAmy

Podcast: 哏

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AI Study Notes for 哏

Usage Notes

哏 is typically used in informal speech and can convey a sense of humor or oddity. A common mistake is confusing it with the similar sounding 很 (hěn), which means 'very.' Be mindful of the tone differences, as 哏 has a rising tone that can imply excitement or anger.

HSK Study Tips

Although 哏 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners at higher levels should be aware of colloquial expressions. Focus on understanding its informal usage and how it contrasts with other adjectives like 有趣 (yǒuqù, interesting) or funny.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 哏 (gén) with 很 (hěn) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '哏好' instead of '很好' (hěn hǎo, very good) changes the meaning and can sound odd. Always remember the context in which you use each term.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 哏

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Etymology of 哏

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

mouth

Semantic (meaning)口
+
Phonetic (sound)艮
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 哏

  1. 1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half艮 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaymouth
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 哏? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 哏?

Decomposition of 哏

IDS Structure⿰口艮
哏Full Character
=
口kou3
left
艮gen3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 哏?

How to say the clamor of an argument; funny; odd in Chinese

“the clamor of an argument; funny; odd” in Chinese is哏gén

The character 哏 (gén) primarily refers to something that is funny, odd, or interesting. It can also denote a clamor associated with an argument or conflict. Though less common today, it serves as an expression of anger or frustration, often found in informal contexts.

When to use 哏

哏 is typically used in informal speech and can convey a sense of humor or oddity. A common mistake is confusing it with the similar sounding 很 (hěn), which means 'very.' Be mindful of the tone differences, as 哏 has a rising tone that can imply excitement or anger.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 哏 (gén) with 很 (hěn) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '哏好' instead of '很好' (hěn hǎo, very good) changes the meaning and can sound odd. Always remember the context in which you use each term.

Write 哏

哏

Practice writing 哏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 哏

Words Containing This Character3
哏génfunny
逗哏lead comic
捧哏fall-guy
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 哏 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 哏

While it's recognized, 哏 is not frequently used in formal settings, making it more suitable for casual conversations.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 哏?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.