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March 24, 2026
慷kāng(kang1)
The character 慷 (kāng) describes a person who is generous, magnanimous, or fervent in their emotions. It is often used to express a person's willingness to give or support others, especially in a spirited manner. This term can be seen in both social contexts and in literature to convey passion or enthusiasm.
Strokes14Radical忄Frequency#72292DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of generosity is often celebrated in literature and philosophy, particularly in Confucian teachings that emphasize benevolence. 慷 reflects the cultural value placed on being giving and supportive within communities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a kind-hearted person (represented by the radical '心' for heart) who is so generous that they 'kang' (sounds like 'con') others into feeling good. Visualize them giving away their treasures with an open heart, showing their magnanimity.
Meanings of 慷
kāng(kang1)
1generous
2magnanimous
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 慷
慷Simplified
14Strokes
忄Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#65535Frequency Rank
Podcast: 慷
Podcast: 慷
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AI Study Notes for 慷
Quick Contrast
慷 (kāng) vs 激昂 (jī áng) — use 慷 for a focus on generosity or willingness to give, while 激昂 emphasizes passionate intensity or fervor.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a kind-hearted person (represented by the radical '心' for heart) who is so generous that they 'kang' (sounds like 'con') others into feeling good. Visualize them giving away their treasures with an open heart, showing their magnanimity.
Usage Notes
慷 is typically used in more formal contexts, often in literature or speeches. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words that may have different meanings. It is commonly collocated with words related to generosity and emotional expression, such as 慷慨 (kāngkǎi), meaning 'generous' or 'open-handed'.
HSK Study Tips
While 慷 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be linked to higher-level words about generosity and emotions. Students should focus on recognizing the character in texts and understanding its nuances in context, as it may not come up in basic conversation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of generosity is often celebrated in literature and philosophy, particularly in Confucian teachings that emphasize benevolence. 慷 reflects the cultural value placed on being giving and supportive within communities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 慷 with similar characters like 亢 (kàng), which means 'high' or 'exuberant.' For example, saying '他是亢慷' instead of '他是慷慨' is incorrect. Always use 慷慨 to express generosity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 慷
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Grammar Patterns of 慷
慷 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 3 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
Complete the Sentence
重要的是工钱，不要过于____慨，但也没办法。
It's the wages that count. Not over-generous, but there you are.
Horrigan launched into a speech about the importance of new projects.
6
那个人很慷慨地借给我一块钱.
nà gè rén hěn kāng kǎi dì jiè gěi wǒ yī kuài qián.
The man was accommodating enough to lend me a dollar.
7
他们是在赚了大钱后才开始变得慷慨大方的.
tā mén shì zài zhuàn le dà qián hòu cái kāi shǐ biàn dé kāng kǎi dà fāng de.
They didn't start being generous till they had make their pile.
8
他虽穷, 但对贫苦的朋友很慷慨.
tā suī qióng, , dàn duì pín kǔ de péng yǒu hěn kāng.
Although he was poor, he was quite generous to his needy friends.
Cultural Notes for 慷
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the idea of generosity is often celebrated in literature and philosophy, particularly in Confucian teachings that emphasize benevolence. 慷 reflects the cultural value placed on being giving and supportive within communities.
Word Family of 慷
Words Containing This Character5
慷慨kāngkǎivehement
慷kānggenerous
慷慨解囊to give generously to charity
慷慨激昂impassioned
慷慨赴义heroically sacrificing one's life (idiom); to sacrifice oneself fervently to the cause慷慨赴義
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 慷慨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 慷
You can say '他非常慷慨', which means 'He is very generous'.
Yes, but it is more commonly found in formal contexts or written Chinese.
Synonyms include 慷慨 (kāngkǎi) for 'generous' and 热情 (rèqíng) for 'enthusiastic'.
