Meanings of 笼
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 笼
Podcast: 笼
Podcast: 笼
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 笼
笼 (lóng) vs 箱 (xiāng) — use 笼 for a cage or basket that encloses, while 箱 refers to a box that stores items.
Imagine a large, flat bamboo basket (笼) that embraces and holds delicious dim sum. The sound 'lóng' resembles 'long', as in a long basket that can contain many items, helping you visualize its use.
Learners often confuse 笼 with similar-sounding characters like 龙 (lóng, dragon) due to tonal differences. It is used more in informal contexts, particularly in culinary settings, and is often collocated with food terms. Pay special attention to the third tone to avoid mispronouncing it.
While 笼 is not specifically included in HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK 3-4 words like 食物 (shíwù, food) and 盒子 (hézi, box). Focus on its usage in culinary contexts to enhance vocabulary around food and serving.
In Chinese cuisine, dim sum is traditionally served in bamboo baskets, which reflects the importance of presentation and the communal dining experience in Chinese culture.
Learners often misuse 笼 in phrases where a different container word would be more appropriate, such as using it for a 'box' instead of 盒子 (hézi). Remember, 笼 specifically refers to baskets or cages.
Pronunciation of 笼
Drill the tone of 笼 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 笼
Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 龙 represents the sound. Simplified form of 籠.
bamboo
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 笼?
Decomposition of 笼
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 笼?
Write 笼
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 笼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 笼
笼 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 13 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
“消化不良”是个____统的术语,可以指各种胃部不适。
Indigestion is a catch-all term for any kind of stomach distress.
Example Sentences for 笼 (10)
Cultural Notes for 笼
In Chinese cuisine, dim sum is traditionally served in bamboo baskets, which reflects the importance of presentation and the communal dining experience in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 笼
Compound Meaning
What does 笼子 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 笼
Common dishes include various dumplings, buns, and other small portions of food, highlighting the social aspect of sharing meals.