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March 24, 2026
堃kūn(kun1)
The character 堃 (kūn) primarily conveys the idea of compliance or obedience, often in the context of following rules or norms. It can also refer to a feminine quality or aspect, although this usage is less common. You'll typically encounter it in discussions about behavior or social expectations.
Strokes11Radical土Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese society, the concepts of obedience and compliance are often tied to Confucian values, emphasizing respect for authority and harmony in social relationships. The character 堃 can symbolize the expected behavior of women in historical contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a woman (representing the feminine aspect) standing on a mound of earth (the radical 土, meaning 'earth') while complying with the laws of nature. The sound 'kūn' can be recalled by visualizing her saying 'cool' as she follows these rules, combining imagery of compliance and femininity.
Meanings of 堃
kūn(kun1)
1compliance, obedience; female
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About 堃
堃Simplified
11Strokes
土Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 堃
Podcast: 堃
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AI Study Notes for 堃
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a woman (representing the feminine aspect) standing on a mound of earth (the radical 土, meaning 'earth') while complying with the laws of nature. The sound 'kūn' can be recalled by visualizing her saying 'cool' as she follows these rules, combining imagery of compliance and femininity.
Usage Notes
This character is relatively uncommon, so it's important to use it in contexts where obedience or compliance is explicitly discussed. Learners should be cautious of mispronouncing it, as tone errors can lead to misunderstandings. It may appear in formal discussions rather than informal conversations.
HSK Study Tips
While 堃 is not an HSK level word, students should focus on recognizing it in context. It connects with other words about behavior and social norms, enhancing vocabulary around compliance and societal roles. Consider practicing with related characters to build a thematic understanding.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese society, the concepts of obedience and compliance are often tied to Confucian values, emphasizing respect for authority and harmony in social relationships. The character 堃 can symbolize the expected behavior of women in historical contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 堃 with similar sounding characters or fail to apply the correct tone, resulting in miscommunication. For instance, saying 'kun' instead of 'kūn' can change the meaning entirely.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 堃
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Cultural Notes for 堃
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese society, the concepts of obedience and compliance are often tied to Confucian values, emphasizing respect for authority and harmony in social relationships. The character 堃 can symbolize the expected behavior of women in historical contexts.
Word Family of 堃
Words Containing This Character7
坤kūn☷
乾坤yin and yang
扭转乾坤to turn things around扭轉乾坤
巴里坤Barkol Kazakh autonomous county or Barköl Qazaq aptonom nahiyisi in Kumul prefecture 哈密地區|哈密地区[Hāmìdìqū], Xinjiang
巴里坤县Barkol Kazakh autonomous county or Barköl Qazaq aptonom nahiyisi in Kumul prefecture 哈密地區|哈密地区[Hāmìdìqū], Xinjiang巴里坤縣
巴里坤哈萨克自治县Barkol Kazakh autonomous county or Barköl Qazaq aptonom nahiyisi in Kumul prefecture 哈密地區|哈密地区[Hāmìdìqū], Xinjiang巴里坤哈薩克自治縣
旋乾转坤a radical change旋乾轉坤
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 坤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 堃
In everyday language, 堃 relates to themes of compliance and obedience, often used in discussions about social behavior.
No, 堃 is not commonly used in modern Chinese, but it may appear in literature or discussions of traditional values.
堃 is pronounced 'kūn' with a high level tone, which is essential to convey the correct meaning.