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榔 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
榔lángbetel-nut treen, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #74212, Very Hard
榔lángtall tree (archaic)unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #74212, Very Hard
láng(lang2)lang T2
  1. 1betel-nut tree
  2. 2tall tree (archaic)
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March 24, 2026

榔láng(lang2)

The character 榔 (láng) primarily refers to the betel-nut tree, which is significant in various Asian cultures for its use in traditional practices and as a masticatory stimulant. Historically, it can also denote a tall or robust tree, though this usage is considered archaic. In contemporary contexts, it is most commonly associated with the betel-nut tree, often found in tropical climates.

Strokes12Radical木Frequency#74212DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the betel-nut tree is often associated with traditional customs, particularly in southern regions where it plays a role in social gatherings and rituals. The consumption of betel nuts is linked to hospitality and community bonding.

Memory tip

Imagine a tall tree (榔) swaying in the wind, with betel nuts hanging from its branches. The character has a '木' (wood) radical on the left, signifying its connection to trees, while the right side looks like a person standing tall. Picture a person holding a betel nut, emphasizing both the tree's height and its cultural significance.

Meanings of 榔

láng(lang2)
1betel-nut tree
2tall tree (archaic)
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 榔

榔Simplified
12Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 榔

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AI Study Notes for 榔

Usage Notes

Be cautious when using this character, as it is not commonly used in everyday conversation and may sound archaic to native speakers. It is best used in specific contexts related to botany or cultural discussions about betel nuts. The tone is straightforward, but ensure to pronounce it correctly with the second tone (láng) to avoid confusion with other words.

HSK Study Tips

This character is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, so students at any level should focus on its specific cultural context rather than memorization for tests. It can be useful to learn alongside other tree-related terms or cultural items to build a broader vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 榔 (láng) with similar-sounding characters. For example, mixing it up with '郎' (láng, meaning 'young man') is common. Remember that 榔 is associated with trees, while '郎' involves people.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 榔

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Etymology of 榔

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 郎 represents the sound.

Memory hint

tree

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)郎
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

榔 = 木 + 郎. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 榔

IDS Structure⿰木郎
榔Full character
=
木Mu4
left
郎Lang2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 榔?

How to say betel-nut tree in Chinese

“betel-nut tree” in Chinese is榔láng

The character 榔 (láng) primarily refers to the betel-nut tree, which is significant in various Asian cultures for its use in traditional practices and as a masticatory stimulant. Historically, it can also denote a tall or robust tree, though this usage is considered archaic. In contemporary contexts, it is most commonly associated with the betel-nut tree, often found in tropical climates.

When to use 榔

Be cautious when using this character, as it is not commonly used in everyday conversation and may sound archaic to native speakers. It is best used in specific contexts related to botany or cultural discussions about betel nuts. The tone is straightforward, but ensure to pronounce it correctly with the second tone (láng) to avoid confusion with other words.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 榔 (láng) with similar-sounding characters. For example, mixing it up with '郎' (láng, meaning 'young man') is common. Remember that 榔 is associated with trees, while '郎' involves people.

Write 榔

榔

Practice writing 榔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 榔

榔 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 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 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

她使出全身力气抡起____头砸向他的脑袋。

She swung the hammer at his head with all her might.

Example Sentences for 榔 (2)

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1
她使出全身力气抡起榔头砸向他的脑袋。

tā shǐ chū quánshēn lìqi lūn qǐ láng tóu zá xiàng tā de nǎodai。

She swung the hammer at his head with all her might.
2
他用榔头和凿子铲墙。

tā yòng láng tóu hé záo zi chǎn qiáng。

He used a hammer and chisel to chip away at the wall.

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Word Family of 榔

Words containing this character5
榔头hammer榔頭
槟榔betel nut檳榔
榔lángtall tree (archaic)
槟榔屿Penang Pulau (Island), Malaysia檳榔嶼
桄榔arenga or sugar palm (Arenga pinnata)
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 榔

What does 榔头 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 榔

It means 'betel-nut tree' and can also refer to a tall tree in an archaic sense.

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