Meanings of 宮
By ear
Play it, then pick what 宮 means.
About 宮
Podcast: 宮
Podcast: 宮
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 宮
宫 (gōng) vs 宫殿 (gōngdiàn) — use 宫 for general references to a palace, while 宫殿 specifically denotes a grand palace.
This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing historical or cultural sites. A common mistake is confusing it with other similar-sounding words; be mindful of its specific meaning related to palatial settings. It often appears in compound words such as 宮殿 (gōngdiàn) meaning 'palace.'
While 宮 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other characters like 王 (wáng, king) and 城 (chéng, city), which are also related to historical and royal themes. Focus on recognizing 宮 in compound forms to strengthen your vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 宮 with 館 (guǎn, building) due to similar contexts. For example, saying 宮館 (gōngguǎn) instead of 宮殿 (gōngdiàn) is incorrect; remember that 宮 specifically refers to a palace.
Pronunciation of 宮
Drill the tone of 宮 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 宮 to You
Let me explain 宮 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 宮 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 宮?
Learning Lab
Knowing 宮 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
Etymology of 宮
Simplified form of 宮. Pictograph of a building with two floors.
roof
Origin
宮 = 宀 + 呂. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 宮
Parts
Which of these is part of 宮?
How to say palace; surname in Chinese
“palace; surname” in Chinese is宮
The character 宮 (gōng) primarily means 'palace,' referring to a grand residence often associated with royalty or government. It can also be a surname in Chinese culture, which signifies lineage. This character is commonly used in contexts related to architecture and historical sites.
When to use 宮
This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing historical or cultural sites. A common mistake is confusing it with other similar-sounding words; be mindful of its specific meaning related to palatial settings. It often appears in compound words such as 宮殿 (gōngdiàn) meaning 'palace.'
宮 or something close to it
宫 (gōng) vs 宫殿 (gōngdiàn) — use 宫 for general references to a palace, while 宫殿 specifically denotes a grand palace.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 宮 with 館 (guǎn, building) due to similar contexts. For example, saying 宮館 (gōngguǎn) instead of 宮殿 (gōngdiàn) is incorrect; remember that 宮 specifically refers to a palace.
Write 宮
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 宮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 宮?
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 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 宮
Characters with 宮
What does 宫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 宮
Common phrases include 宮殿 (gōngdiàn, palace) and 宮廷 (gōngtíng, imperial court).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 宮?
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.