Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
崑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
kūnthe Kunlun mountains in Jiang Su provincezg, 11 strokes, radical 山, Very Hard
kūn(kun1) T1
  1. 1the Kunlun mountains in Jiang Su province
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
kūn(kun1)

The character 崑 (kūn) specifically refers to the Kunlun Mountains, a significant mountain range in Jiangsu province, China. It is often associated with ancient Chinese mythology and literature, symbolizing a mythical and majestic landscape. The term may also evoke themes of nature and spirituality in various contexts.

Strokes11RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The Kunlun Mountains play a crucial role in Chinese mythology, seen as a sacred area where gods and immortals reside. This connection highlights the reverence for nature in Chinese culture and its integration into spiritual beliefs.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant 'Kun' (kūn) standing atop the mountains, with a long beard flowing like the rivers in the Kunlun Mountains. The character 崑 has a strong, solid base, representing the strength and stability of the mountains, while its upper part suggests the lofty heights they reach.

Meanings of 崑

kūn(kun1)
1the Kunlun mountains in Jiang Su province
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 崑

Simplified
11Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 崑

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 崑

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant 'Kun' (kūn) standing atop the mountains, with a long beard flowing like the rivers in the Kunlun Mountains. The character 崑 has a strong, solid base, representing the strength and stability of the mountains, while its upper part suggests the lofty heights they reach.

Usage Notes

When using 崑, it is important to note that it is primarily used in formal or literary contexts, often related to geography or mythology. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding characters that refer to different places or concepts. Ensure you use the correct tone (kūn) to avoid confusion.

HSK Study Tips

Though 崑 is not at a specific HSK level, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to geography and nature. Learners should focus on recognizing its radical components and understanding its context in literature, especially when discussing locations.

Cultural Note

The Kunlun Mountains play a crucial role in Chinese mythology, seen as a sacred area where gods and immortals reside. This connection highlights the reverence for nature in Chinese culture and its integration into spiritual beliefs.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 崑 with other characters like 昆 (kūn), which can mean 'descendants' or 'insects.' Be sure to use 崑 specifically when referring to the Kunlun Mountains to avoid misunderstanding.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 崑

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

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

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 崑

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Origin unclear.

Memory Hint

mountain

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 崑?

Decomposition of 崑

IDS Structure⿱山昆
Full Character
=
Shan1
top
kun1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 崑?

Write 崑

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 崑

🏮Cultural insight

The Kunlun Mountains play a crucial role in Chinese mythology, seen as a sacred area where gods and immortals reside. This connection highlights the reverence for nature in Chinese culture and its integration into spiritual beliefs.

Word Family of 崑

Words Containing This Character14
昆虫kūnchónginsect昆蟲
昆明Kunming prefecture-level city and capital of Yunnan province in southwest China
kūndescendant
昆仑Kunlun (Karakorum) mountain range in Xinjiang崑崙
昆明市Kunming, prefecture-level city and capital of Yunnan province in southwest China
昆廷Quentin (name)
昆山Kunshan county level city in Suzhou 蘇州|苏州[Sū​zhōu], Jiangsu崑山
昆曲Kunqu opera, influential musical theater originating in Kunshan, Jiangsu province in Yuan times崑曲
昆虫学entomology昆蟲學
昆仑山Kunlun Mountain range崑崙山
杨尚昆Yang Shangkun (1907-1998), former president of PRC and military leader楊尚昆
昆剧Kunqu opera, influential musical theater originating in Kunshan, Jiangsu province in Yuan times崑劇
昆布kelp
昆汀Quentin (name)
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 昆虫 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 崑

It refers to the Kunlun Mountains in Jiangsu province, significant in Chinese mythology and geography.