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概 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
概
gài
general
HSK 7, n, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #33164, Very Hard
概
gài
approximate
HSK 7, n, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #33164, Very Hard
概
gài
generally, probably, approximately
HSK 7, n, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #33164, Very Hard
概
gài
old variant of 概[gài]
HSK 7, n, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #33164, Very Hard
gài(gai4)gai T4
1general
2approximate
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March 24, 2026
概gài(gai4)
The character 概 (gài) means 'general' or 'approximate.' It is often used to describe something in a broad sense or to indicate an estimation rather than an exact figure. It can also convey a sense of probability, suggesting something is likely but not certain.
Strokes13Radical木Frequency#33164DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, generalizations are often seen as a way to simplify complex ideas, especially in philosophical discussions. The use of 概 in phrases can be found in academic contexts, showing its importance in expressing broader concepts.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant umbrella (the radical 亠) covering various shapes (the meaning of generality). This umbrella represents the idea of encompassing many things under a general concept, reminding you that 'gài' means 'approximate' or 'general.' Visualize saying, 'I gài (guess) it will rain under this umbrella.'
Meanings of 概
gài(gai4)
1general
2approximate
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 概
概Simplified
13Strokes
木Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#33164Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 概
Podcast: 概
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AI study notes for 概
Quick Contrast
概 (gài) vs 大致 (dàzhì) — use 概 when emphasizing approximation or generalization, while 大致 is more specific to rough estimates or outlines.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 概 with 该 (gāi), which means 'should' or 'ought to.' Be mindful of using 概 in formal contexts when discussing vague estimations, as it may sound less precise in informal speech. Typical collocations include 概念 (gàiniàn, concept) and 概括 (gàikuò, summarize).
HSK Study Tips
Though 概 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it is relevant for learners around HSK 4-5. Focus on its use in phrases like 概念 and how it can modify verbs or adjectives to express approximation. Learning related characters can deepen understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 概 with 该, leading to sentences like '我概去商店' (I should go to the store), which should be '我该去商店'. Another mistake is using it without context, such as '概是对的' (is general correct), which lacks clarity; it is better to specify what is being approximated.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 概
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Knowing 概 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.
概 = 木 + 既. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 概
IDS Structure⿰木既
概Full character
=
木Mu4
left
既ji4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 概?
How to say general in Chinese
“general” in Chinese is概gài
The character 概 (gài) means 'general' or 'approximate.' It is often used to describe something in a broad sense or to indicate an estimation rather than an exact figure. It can also convey a sense of probability, suggesting something is likely but not certain.
When to use 概
Common mistakes include confusing 概 with 该 (gāi), which means 'should' or 'ought to.' Be mindful of using 概 in formal contexts when discussing vague estimations, as it may sound less precise in informal speech. Typical collocations include 概念 (gàiniàn, concept) and 概括 (gàikuò, summarize).
概 or something close to it
概 (gài) vs 大致 (dàzhì) — use 概 when emphasizing approximation or generalization, while 大致 is more specific to rough estimates or outlines.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 概 with 该, leading to sentences like '我概去商店' (I should go to the store), which should be '我该去商店'. Another mistake is using it without context, such as '概是对的' (is general correct), which lacks clarity; it is better to specify what is being approximated.
Write 概
概
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Grammar patterns of 概
概 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 4 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.
"Third World" is an abstraction, a form of shorthand.
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Cultural Notes for 概
💡Did you know?
The character '概' combines the meaning of 'general' or 'approximate' and is etymologically linked to 'tree', symbolizing the covering or overarching nature of trees that provide shelter.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In English, 'approximate' and 'general' can imply estimates, much like the Chinese '概'. However, in Chinese, it often carries a broader sense of context and application in conversation.
Word Family of 概
Words containing this character20
大概dàgàiroughly
概念gàiniànconcept
概率gàilǜprobability (math.)
概括gàikuòto summarize
气概qìgàimettle氣概
概gàigeneral
概况gàikuàngsummary概況
一概yígàiall
概述gàishùoverview
概论gàilùnoutline概論
梗概gěnggàisynopsis
一概而论yígài’érlùnto lump different matters together (idiom)一概而論
概要gàiyàooutline
以偏概全yǐpiāngàiquánto generalize
概率论gàilǜlùnprobability (math.)概率論
概念化gàiniànhuàconceptualization
概览gàilǎngeneral overview概覽
概数gàishùapproximate number (两三百, 十幾|十几, 一千多 etc)概數
概观gàiguānto survey概觀
概括化gàikuòhuàgeneralization
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 概
What does 大概 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 概
While 概 (gài) may not be used in every day-to-day conversation, it is common in more formal contexts like writing or discussions related to estimates and generalities. Learning it can enhance your comprehension of more complex ideas in Chinese.
Common phrases that include 概 (gài) are '概括' (gàikuò), which means 'to summarize', and '概念' (gàiniàn), meaning 'concept'. These phrases illustrate how the character is used in more complex ideas.
概 (gài) means 'general' or 'approximate'. It can also imply a sense of something being rough or not exact. This character is often used in contexts where a general idea or estimation is expressed.
You can use 概 (gài) in sentences to indicate approximation or generality. For example, '这个价格概在一千块左右' means 'This price is approximately around 1,000 yuan.' It's often used to give a rough estimate or a general idea.
概 (gài) means general or approximate, while 该 (gāi) means should or ought to. They are used in different contexts.
Yes, but it is more common in formal contexts or written language when discussing concepts or estimates.
Not typically, as it conveys a general sense rather than specific numerical values.
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