unknown, 8 strokes, radical 火, rank #52678, Very Hard
炕
kàng
to bake
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 火, rank #52678, Very Hard
炕
kàng
to dry by the heat of a fire
unknown, 8 strokes, radical 火, rank #52678, Very Hard
kàng(kang4) T4
1the brick-bed in northern China
2old variant of 炕[kang4]
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March 24, 2026
炕(匟)kàng(kang4)
The character 炕 (kàng) refers to a traditional brick bed commonly found in northern China, used for sleeping and often heated from below. It serves as both a sleeping space and a source of warmth during cold winters, embodying a unique aspect of northern Chinese domestic life.
Strokes8Radical火Frequency#52678DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Meanings of 炕
kàng(kang4)
1the brick-bed in northern China
2to bake
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 炕
炕Simplified
匟Traditional
8Strokes
火Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 炕
Podcast: 炕
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AI Study Notes for 炕
Memory Mnemonic
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.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 炕
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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.
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
Words Containing This Character4
炕kàngto bake
土炕heated brick common bed
尿炕bed-wetting
铺炕to make a bed鋪炕
Exercise 1 of 4
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.
While traditional 炕 are less common in modern urban homes, they are still prevalent in rural areas and are often seen in traditional-style houses.
You can say '我在炕上睡觉' (Wǒ zài kàng shàng shuìjiào), meaning 'I sleep on the kang.'
