abbr. for Hunan 湖南 province in south central China
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 氵, Very Hard
湘
xiāng
abbr. for Xiangjiang river in Hunan province
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 氵, Very Hard
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Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
Three major dialects: western Hunan , eastern Guizhou , and Sichuan , Guizhou and Yunnan.
2
据说,湘人吃辣, 与地理位置有关.
jù shuō, , xiāng rén chī, là , yǔ dì lǐ wèi zhì.
Said Xiang people eat, and the geographical location.
3
湘绣长于绣狮、虎题材.
xiāng xiù cháng yú xiù shī、 、 hǔ tí.
The most common designs on Xiang embroidery are lions and tigers.
Cultural Notes for 湘
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 湘
Words Containing This Character20
湘xiāngabbr. for Xiangjiang river in Hunan province
潇湘other name of the Xiangjiang river 湘江[Xiāngjiāng] in Hunan province瀟湘
湘江the Xiangjiang river in Hunan province
湘潭Xiangtan prefecture level city in Hunan
湘军Hunan army, irregular force formed in 1850s to fight the Taiping heavenly kingdom rebellion湘軍
湘西western Hunan
湘菜Hunan cuisine
湘潭市Xiangtan prefecture level city in Hunan
湘潭县Xiangtan county in Xiangtan 湘潭[Xiāngtán], Hunan湘潭縣
湘乡Xiangxiang county level city in Xiangtan 湘潭[Xiāngtán], Hunan湘鄉
湘绣Hunan embroidery湘繡
湘黔Hunan-Guizhou
临湘市Linxiang county-level city in Yueyang 岳陽|岳阳[Yuèyáng], Hunan臨湘市
临湘Linxiang county-level city in Yueyang 岳陽|岳阳[Yuèyáng], Hunan臨湘
湘阴Xiangyin county in Yueyang 岳陽|岳阳[Yuèyáng], Hunan湘陰
湘语Xiang (Hunanese) dialect spoken in Hunan Province湘語
湘西土家族苗族自治州Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in northwest Hunan, capital Jishou 吉首
湘乡市Xiangxiang county level city in Xiangtan 湘潭[Xiāngtán], Hunan湘鄉市
湘剧Xiang opera (Hunan)湘劇
湘阴县Xiangyin county in Yueyang 岳陽|岳阳[Yuèyáng], Hunan湘陰縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 湘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 湘
湘 means Hunan province and the Xiangjiang River.
You can say 湘菜是中国著名的美食, meaning 'Hunan cuisine is famous in China.'
It's common in discussions about geography and culture, especially when referring to Hunan.
