Meanings of 杠
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About 杠
Podcast: 杠
Podcast: 杠
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AI Study Notes for 杠
Learners often confuse 杠 (gāng) with its variant form 槓 (gàng), which can change the meaning significantly, so attention to tone is crucial. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about construction or physical support structures. Remember to practice the tone to avoid miscommunication.
While 杠 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects with other words related to structures and tools, which are relevant in HSK 3 and above. Students should focus on context usage and practice phrases involving 杠 to solidify understanding.
Learners often confuse the tones, saying 'gàng' instead of 'gāng' which changes the meaning entirely. For example, using 'gàng' in a sentence about building materials would be incorrect; it should be 'gāng' for the intended meaning of pole.
Pronunciation of 杠
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Etymology of 杠
A wooden 木 lever 工; 工 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 杠
- 1The giveawayA wooden 木 lever 工; 工 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 杠? 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 杠?
Decomposition of 杠
Identify the Components
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How to say flagpole in Chinese
“flagpole” in Chinese is杠
The character 杠 (gāng) primarily refers to a thick pole or bar, often used in construction or as a support structure. It can also denote a flagpole or a footbridge, highlighting its practical applications in physical contexts. The character can take on different meanings in various phrases, such as marking something with a thick line or sharpening a knife.
When to use 杠
Learners often confuse 杠 (gāng) with its variant form 槓 (gàng), which can change the meaning significantly, so attention to tone is crucial. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about construction or physical support structures. Remember to practice the tone to avoid miscommunication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse the tones, saying 'gàng' instead of 'gāng' which changes the meaning entirely. For example, using 'gàng' in a sentence about building materials would be incorrect; it should be 'gāng' for the intended meaning of pole.
Write 杠
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Practice writing 杠 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 杠
杠 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 10 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.
Complete the Sentence
电梯修理工可以转动这根____杆直接操作机器。
An elevator mechanic can work the machinery directly by turning this lever.
Example Sentences for 杠 (10)
Word Family of 杠
Compound Meaning
What does 杠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 杠
The main difference lies in pronunciation and meaning—杠 (gāng) usually refers to a pole or bar, while 槓 (gàng) can imply a lever or crowbar.
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