Meanings of 杠
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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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Jason Explains 杠 to You
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How Well Do You Know 杠?
Learning Lab
Knowing 杠 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.
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Etymology of 杠
A wooden 木 lever 工; 工 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
What kind of character is 杠?
Decomposition of 杠
Parts
Which of these is part of 杠?
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
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Word Family of 杠
Words with 杠
What does 杠杆 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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