abbr. for Hunan 湖南 province in south central China
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 氵
湘
xiāng
abbr. for Xiangjiang river in Hunan province
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 氵
xiāng(Xiang1) T1
1Hunan province; the Xiangjiang river
2abbr. for Hunan 湖南 province in south central China
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March 24, 2026
湘xiāng(Xiang1)
湘 (xiāng) refers to Hunan province in south-central China, as well as the Xiangjiang River that flows through this region. It is commonly used in geographical contexts and in discussions about local culture, cuisine, and history, as Hunan is known for its spicy food and rich cultural heritage.
Strokes12Radical氵
Cultural Note
Hunan province is famous for its unique cuisine, particularly for its spiciness and use of fresh ingredients. It is also home to many historical figures and cultural practices, making 湘 a term deeply tied to regional identity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a river (水) flowing through a scenic province full of spicy food (辣), where the 'xiāng' sound echoes like a refreshing breeze. Visualize the character 湘 with its flowing strokes resembling the movement of water, representing the Xiangjiang River that nurtures the land.
Meanings of 湘
xiāng(Xiang1)
1Hunan province; the Xiangjiang river
2abbr. for Hunan 湖南 province in south central China
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 湘
湘Simplified
12Strokes
氵Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 湘
Podcast: 湘
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AI Study Notes for 湘
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 湘 with similar-sounding characters or using it in non-geographical contexts. It's primarily used in formal registers when discussing regions or geography, so be cautious with tone and context.
HSK Study Tips
湘 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it connects to other geographical terms. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in place names and cultural references, which will enhance their understanding of regional discussions in Mandarin.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 湘 with other province names like 陕西 (Shanxi) or use it incorrectly in casual conversations. For example, saying 我去湘 instead of 我去湖南 (I am going to Hunan) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 湘
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Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 相 represents the sound.
1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
2The sound half相 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywater
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 湘? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 湘?
Decomposition of 湘
IDS Structure⿰氵相
湘Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
相Xiang1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 湘?
How to say Hunan province; the Xiangjiang river in Chinese
“Hunan province; the Xiangjiang river” in Chinese is湘xiāng
湘 (xiāng) refers to Hunan province in south-central China, as well as the Xiangjiang River that flows through this region. It is commonly used in geographical contexts and in discussions about local culture, cuisine, and history, as Hunan is known for its spicy food and rich cultural heritage.
When to use 湘
Common mistakes include confusing 湘 with similar-sounding characters or using it in non-geographical contexts. It's primarily used in formal registers when discussing regions or geography, so be cautious with tone and context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 湘 with other province names like 陕西 (Shanxi) or use it incorrectly in casual conversations. For example, saying 我去湘 instead of 我去湖南 (I am going to Hunan) is incorrect.
Write 湘
湘
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Practice writing 湘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 湘
湘 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 3 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
分三大方言: ____西 、 黔东和川黔滇.
Three major dialects: western Hunan , eastern Guizhou , and Sichuan , Guizhou and Yunnan.
