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March 24, 2026
弓gōng(Gong1)
The character 弓 (gōng) primarily means 'bow', referring to the weapon used for shooting arrows. It is also used to describe something that is curved or arched. In various contexts, it can denote actions like bending or arching, making it versatile in both literal and figurative language.
Strokes3Radical弓Frequency#10060DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, archery was an important skill associated with military strategy and personal discipline, often highlighted in historical texts and literature. The bow symbolizes strength and precision, valued traits in Chinese philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bow (弓) as a giant 'Gong' sounding when strung with tension. The shape of the bow resembles a gentle curve, which is easy to visualize. Think of a person bending their back to draw the bow, connecting the sound of 'gōng' with the action of bending.
Meanings of 弓
gōng(Gong1)
1bow; curved, arched
2to bend
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 弓
弓Simplified
3Strokes
弓Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 弓
Podcast: 弓
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AI Study Notes for 弓
Quick Contrast
弓 (gōng) vs 拱 (gǒng) — use 弓 when referring to a weapon or something that is arched, while 拱 specifically denotes the action of arching or bending, often in a structural context.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 弓 (gōng) with similar characters that have different meanings, such as 工 (gōng), which means 'work' or 'craft'. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions related to archery or design. Remember that the tone is crucial; a mispronunciation can lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
Although 弓 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners at the HSK 1-2 level to understand its connection to physical actions and shapes. Focus on how it relates to other words that describe actions or tools, which can enhance vocabulary around sports and physical activities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 弓 (gōng) with 工 (gōng) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我喜欢工' (wǒ xǐhuān gōng) instead of '我喜欢弓' (wǒ xǐhuān gōng) can change the intended meaning entirely.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弓
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How Well Do You Know 弓?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 弓 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.
The character 弓 (gōng) primarily means 'bow', referring to the weapon used for shooting arrows. It is also used to describe something that is curved or arched. In various contexts, it can denote actions like bending or arching, making it versatile in both literal and figurative language.
When to use 弓
Be careful not to confuse 弓 (gōng) with similar characters that have different meanings, such as 工 (gōng), which means 'work' or 'craft'. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions related to archery or design. Remember that the tone is crucial; a mispronunciation can lead to confusion.
弓 or something close to it
弓 (gōng) vs 拱 (gǒng) — use 弓 when referring to a weapon or something that is arched, while 拱 specifically denotes the action of arching or bending, often in a structural context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 弓 (gōng) with 工 (gōng) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我喜欢工' (wǒ xǐhuān gōng) instead of '我喜欢弓' (wǒ xǐhuān gōng) can change the intended meaning entirely.
Write 弓
弓
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Practice writing 弓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 弓
弓 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
采花人____着身子飞快地摘着花。
Pickers are bent double, plucking each flower with lightning speed.
