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March 24, 2026
梗gěng(geng3)
The character 梗 (gěng) primarily means 'stem' or 'branch' in a botanical context, referring to the structural part of a plant. Additionally, it conveys the idea of hindrance or blockage, often used in informal speech to describe a situation where progress is obstructed or someone is being blocked from doing something.
Strokes11Radical木Frequency#23268DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, plants and their growth are often symbolic of resilience and life. The term 梗 can be associated with nature and how it influences aspects of life, including patience and overcoming obstacles.
Memory Tip
Imagine a plant with a thick stem (梗) that blocks the sunlight from reaching other plants. The character's shape resembles a branch with a strong trunk, reminding you that it both supports the plant and can hinder others' growth.
Meanings of 梗
gěng(geng3)
1stem, branch; to hinder, to block
2stalk
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 梗
梗Simplified
11Strokes
木Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
根Measure Word
Podcast: 梗
Podcast: 梗
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AI Study Notes for 梗
Quick Contrast
阻碍 (zǔ'ài) — use 梗 (gěng) for informal contexts of obstruction, while 阻碍 (zǔ'ài) is more formal.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a plant with a thick stem (梗) that blocks the sunlight from reaching other plants. The character's shape resembles a branch with a strong trunk, reminding you that it both supports the plant and can hinder others' growth.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 梗 with similar terms like '干' (gān), which means 'to do' or 'stem' in a different context. It's mostly used in informal settings, especially in slang, to describe being blocked or hindered in a task, so be cautious of its tone and context.
HSK Study Tips
Although 梗 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can deepen your comprehension of related words in everyday conversation. Focus on its usage in contexts involving plants or obstructions, as it can help you connect with other vocabulary at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, plants and their growth are often symbolic of resilience and life. The term 梗 can be associated with nature and how it influences aspects of life, including patience and overcoming obstacles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 梗 when they mean '干' (gān) to express an action, as both can refer to 'stem' in different contexts. For example, saying '我想梗这件事' instead of '我想干这件事' would be incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 梗
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Grammar Patterns of 梗
梗 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 2 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 4
Complete the Sentence
它挠得我后脖____儿的绒毛直痒痒。
It tickled the hairs on the back of my neck.
Example Sentences for 梗 (6)
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1
它挠得我后脖梗儿的绒毛直痒痒。
tā náo dé wǒ hòu bó gěng ér de róng máo zhí yǎng yǎng。
Single medium lavender - blue, 3 - 7 per peduncle, hides under leaves, short - lived.
6
他想找几句话说, 可是嗓子梗住了,啥也没说出来.
tā xiǎng zhǎo jī jù huà shuō, , kě shì sǎng zǐ gěng zhù, le , shá yě méi shuō.
He tried to speak, but gulped and no words came.
Cultural Notes for 梗
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, plants and their growth are often symbolic of resilience and life. The term 梗 can be associated with nature and how it influences aspects of life, including patience and overcoming obstacles.
Word Family of 梗
Words Containing This Character12
梗gěngbranch
心肌梗塞heart attack
梗塞to clog
梗阻to hamper
心肌梗死heart attack
梗概synopsis
脑梗死cerebral infarction腦梗死
桔梗Chinese bellflower
梗死blockage
花梗stem of flower
梗直honest
顽梗obstinate頑梗
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 梗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 梗
It can mean 'stem' when referring to plants or can be used to describe a situation where someone is blocked from taking action.
No, 梗 is generally used in informal contexts, particularly in spoken language and slang.
Yes, it can describe situations where progress is hindered or blocked, not just in physical terms.
