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夯 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
夯bènburden, load; to lift up; to tamp downzg, 5 strokes, radical 大
夯bènto tampunknown, 5 strokes, radical 大
夯bèn(slang) popularunknown, 5 strokes, radical 大
夯bènhotunknown, 5 strokes, radical 大
夯hāngburden, load; to lift up; to tamp downzg, 5 strokes, radical 大
夯hāngto tampunknown, 5 strokes, radical 大
夯hāng(slang) popularunknown, 5 strokes, radical 大
夯hānghotunknown, 5 strokes, radical 大
bèn(ben4)
primary
 T4
  1. 1burden, load; to lift up; to tamp down
  2. 2to tamp
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

夯bèn(ben4)

The character 夯 (bèn) primarily refers to a burden or load, often in the context of construction or physical labor, where it can mean to tamp down or compact material. In slang, it can also mean something that is popular or trendy. This duality in meaning showcases both its physical and social applications.

Strokes5Radical大
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese construction, tamping down earth or materials is crucial for stability, which is reflected in the usage of 夯. This character connects to the importance of building strong foundations, both literally and metaphorically in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine lifting a heavy load (夯) on your back while trying to tamp down the earth beneath your feet. The character’s two horizontal lines represent the weight pressing down, while the lower part symbolizes the ground being compacted, reminding you of 'bèn' and its meanings.

Meanings of 夯

bèn(ben4)
primary
1burden, load; to lift up; to tamp down
2to tamp
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 夯

夯Simplified
5Strokes
大Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 夯

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Podcast: 夯

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 夯

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 夯 with its more common variant 笨 (bèn), which means 'stupid' or 'clumsy'. While 夯 is used in specific contexts such as construction or in slang, 笨 is more widely used in everyday conversation. It is informal when used in slang, so be mindful of your audience.

HSK Study Tips

While 夯 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it could be beneficial to learn it alongside similar characters related to physical actions (like 按 àn, to press). Focus on how the meanings of these characters can overlap in context, especially in construction or slang.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 夯 with 笨 due to their similar pronunciations. For example, saying '我觉得这个人很夯' (I think this person is very 'load') instead of '我觉得这个人很笨' (I think this person is very stupid) can lead to confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 夯

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Etymology of 夯

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A load that takes great 大 strength 力

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 夯

  1. 1The giveawayA load that takes great 大 strength 力
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

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

Want the full history of 夯? 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 夯?

Decomposition of 夯

IDS Structure⿱大力
夯Full Character
=
大da4
top
力Li4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 夯?

How to say burden, load; to lift up; to tamp down in Chinese

“burden, load; to lift up; to tamp down” in Chinese is夯bèn

The character 夯 (bèn) primarily refers to a burden or load, often in the context of construction or physical labor, where it can mean to tamp down or compact material. In slang, it can also mean something that is popular or trendy. This duality in meaning showcases both its physical and social applications.

When to use 夯

Be cautious not to confuse 夯 with its more common variant 笨 (bèn), which means 'stupid' or 'clumsy'. While 夯 is used in specific contexts such as construction or in slang, 笨 is more widely used in everyday conversation. It is informal when used in slang, so be mindful of your audience.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 夯 with 笨 due to their similar pronunciations. For example, saying '我觉得这个人很夯' (I think this person is very 'load') instead of '我觉得这个人很笨' (I think this person is very stupid) can lead to confusion.

Write 夯

夯

Practice writing 夯 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 夯

Words Containing This Character3
打夯to ram
夯bènto tamp
夯歌rammers' work chant
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 打夯 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 夯

In slang, 夯 can mean something that is popular or trendy.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 夯?

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.