Meanings of 炕
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About 炕
Podcast: 炕
Podcast: 炕
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AI Study Notes for 炕
Imagine a 'kangaroo' (kàng sounds like käng) that lives in a cozy, warm brick house; the kangaroo basks on its brick bed, which is heated from below. Visualizing this can help you remember both the sound and meaning of 炕.
When using 炕, be mindful that it is more common in northern China and may not be understood in southern regions. It is typically used in informal conversations about traditional living arrangements. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where standard terms for bed (床, chuáng) might be more appropriate.
Although 炕 is not part of the current HSK vocabulary, it connects to topics of housing and culture. Focus on the differences in living conditions across regions in China, which may help contextualize this word.
The 炕 is a significant feature in many northern Chinese homes, especially in rural areas, where it serves as a gathering place for families during winter months. Its use reflects the adaptation of living spaces to cold climates.
Learners often confuse 炕 with 床 and use it interchangeably, as in '我在床上睡觉' instead of '我在炕上睡觉.' Remember,炕 refers specifically to the traditional heated bed.
Pronunciation of 炕
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Etymology of 炕
Phonosemantic compound. 火 represents the meaning and 亢 represents the sound. Simplified form of 匟.
fire
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 炕
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Write 炕
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Practice writing 炕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 炕
炕 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.
Complete the Sentence
我就不许你混身臭汗,臭烘烘的上我的____!
I won't have you reeking with sweat in my bed!
Example Sentences for 炕 (1)
Cultural Notes for 炕
The 炕 is a significant feature in many northern Chinese homes, especially in rural areas, where it serves as a gathering place for families during winter months. Its use reflects the adaptation of living spaces to cold climates.
Word Family of 炕
Compound Meaning
What does 炕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 炕
炕 specifically refers to a traditional heated brick bed, while 床 (chuáng) is the general term for 'bed' in Mandarin.
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