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March 24, 2026
堪kān(kan1)
The character 堪 (kān) primarily means 'to endure' or 'to be able to.' It is often used in contexts where someone's capacity to cope with a situation or their ability to achieve something is in question. Additionally, it can convey a sense of adequacy or worthiness in various situations.
Strokes12Radical土Frequency#5413DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the ability to endure hardship is often revered, as seen in proverbs and teachings that emphasize resilience and perseverance. The concept of 堪 reflects this cultural value of enduring through challenges.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy wall (the '土' radical, meaning earth) supporting a heavy load (the '干' component) without collapsing. This wall represents your ability to 'endure' and 'carry on' in tough situations, just like the sound 'kān' resembles a determined person saying 'I can do this!'
Meanings of 堪
kān(kan1)
1to endure
2may
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About 堪
堪Simplified
12Strokes
土Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#5413Frequency Rank
Podcast: 堪
Podcast: 堪
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AI Study Notes for 堪
Quick Contrast
堪 (kān) vs 能 (néng) — use 堪 when emphasizing endurance or coping ability, while 能 focuses on capability or potential.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 堪, as it can sometimes imply a sense of endurance that might not be appropriate in formal settings. Common collocations include '堪忧' (kān yōu - concerning) and '堪用' (kān yòng - usable). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that may change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
Although 堪 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be related to other HSK vocabulary that discusses ability and endurance, such as 能 (néng) and 可以 (kěyǐ). Focus on understanding its nuances and how it can complement expressions of capability.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 堪 with similar characters like 看 (kàn - to see), which leads to misinterpretation. For example, saying '我堪这个电影' (Wǒ kān zhège diànyǐng - I endure this movie) is incorrect; it should be '我看这个电影' (Wǒ kàn zhège diànyǐng - I watch this movie).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 堪
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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.
The character 堪 (kān) primarily means 'to endure' or 'to be able to.' It is often used in contexts where someone's capacity to cope with a situation or their ability to achieve something is in question. Additionally, it can convey a sense of adequacy or worthiness in various situations.
When to use 堪
Be mindful of the context in which you use 堪, as it can sometimes imply a sense of endurance that might not be appropriate in formal settings. Common collocations include '堪忧' (kān yōu - concerning) and '堪用' (kān yòng - usable). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that may change the meaning significantly.
堪 or something close to it
堪 (kān) vs 能 (néng) — use 堪 when emphasizing endurance or coping ability, while 能 focuses on capability or potential.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 堪 with similar characters like 看 (kàn - to see), which leads to misinterpretation. For example, saying '我堪这个电影' (Wǒ kān zhège diànyǐng - I endure this movie) is incorrect; it should be '我看这个电影' (Wǒ kàn zhège diànyǐng - I watch this movie).
Write 堪
堪
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Grammar Patterns of 堪
堪 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
