Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
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)ben
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

By ear

Play it, then pick what 夯 means.

About 夯

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

Podcast: 夯

JasonAmy

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

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 夯 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 夯 to you

Let me explain 夯 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 夯 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 夯?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 夯 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.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

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
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 夯?

Decomposition of 夯

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

Parts

Which of these is part 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

Ask Jason

Have a question about 夯?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 夯

Words containing this character3
打夯to ram
夯bènto tamp
夯歌rammers' work chant
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 夯

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab