Meanings of 懇
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 懇
Podcast: 懇
Podcast: 懇
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 懇
恳 (kěn) vs 诚 (chéng) — choose 懇 (kěn) for a focus on heartfelt requests, while 诚 (chéng) emphasizes honesty and integrity.
Learners should note that 懇 is more formal and may not be used in casual conversations. It frequently collocates with words like '求' (to request) and '請' (to ask), forming phrases that express earnest pleas. Be careful with the third tone, as mispronouncing it as a second tone can alter understanding.
While 懇 is not categorized under HSK levels, it connects to other vocabulary expressing emotions or requests. Students should focus on its usage in formal contexts and practice it alongside other related terms to enhance their understanding of sincerity in communication.
Learners often confuse 懇 with similar characters like 恳 (kěn), which has a different nuance. For example, saying '我很恳' instead of '我很懇' is incorrect; the correct form is '我很懇'.
Pronunciation of 懇
Drill the tone of 懇 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 懇
Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 艮 represents the sound. Simplified form of 懇.
heart
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 懇
Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 艮 represents the sound. Simplified form of 懇.
- 1The meaning half心 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half貇 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayheart
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 懇? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 懇?
Decomposition of 懇
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 懇?
How to say sincere, earnest, cordial in Chinese
“sincere, earnest, cordial” in Chinese is懇
The character 懇 (kěn) conveys a sense of sincerity and earnestness. It is often used to describe a heartfelt approach in requests or communications, suggesting a warm and cordial attitude. This term can be found in contexts where genuine feelings or intentions are emphasized, such as in personal interactions or formal speeches.
When to use 懇
Learners should note that 懇 is more formal and may not be used in casual conversations. It frequently collocates with words like '求' (to request) and '請' (to ask), forming phrases that express earnest pleas. Be careful with the third tone, as mispronouncing it as a second tone can alter understanding.
懇 or something close to it
恳 (kěn) vs 诚 (chéng) — choose 懇 (kěn) for a focus on heartfelt requests, while 诚 (chéng) emphasizes honesty and integrity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 懇 with similar characters like 恳 (kěn), which has a different nuance. For example, saying '我很恳' instead of '我很懇' is incorrect; the correct form is '我很懇'.
Write 懇
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 懇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 懇
Compound Meaning
What does 恳求 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 懇
You can say '我真心懇求你帮我' (I sincerely ask for your help) to express a heartfelt request.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 懇?
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.