unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #39154, Very Hard
簧
huáng
spring of lock
unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #39154, Very Hard
huáng(huang2) T2
1reed; lock, metal spring
2metallic reed
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
簧huáng(huang2)
The character 簧 (huáng) primarily refers to a type of reed or a metallic spring used in locks. It can also denote the reed used in musical instruments, highlighting its versatility in both natural and mechanical contexts. This word is less common in everyday conversation, but it appears in specific technical or musical discussions.
Strokes17Radical⺮Frequency#39154DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese music, the use of reeds in instruments like the sheng (a type of mouth organ) is significant, reflecting the cultural importance of music in Chinese society. The character 簧 embodies this connection between natural materials and musical expression.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny, metallic spring (the 'lock' aspect) that looks like a tall, slender reed swaying in the wind. The pronunciation 'huáng' can be remembered by associating it with the word 'honk,' which sounds similar, as if the reed is making a sound when it sways.
Meanings of 簧
huáng(huang2)
1reed; lock, metal spring
2metallic reed
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 簧
簧Simplified
17Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 簧
Podcast: 簧
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 簧
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 簧 in conversation, as it is more specialized and may not be understood by all speakers. It is often found in technical contexts, such as music or locksmithing, and is not typically used in everyday language. Ensure you are using the correct tone (2nd tone) to avoid confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 簧 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other HSK 5 vocabulary related to music and tools. Students should focus on understanding its uses in specific contexts and practice with related words like 锁 (lock) and 乐器 (musical instrument).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 簧 with other similar-sounding words, such as 黄 (huáng), which means 'yellow.' Remember that 簧 relates to reeds and springs, while 黄 refers to color. A common mistake is saying '我喜欢簧' (I like huáng) when referring to a color instead of '黄'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 簧
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 簧 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 黄 represents the sound.
1The meaning half⺮ carries the sense.
2The sound half黄 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaybamboo
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 簧? 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 簧?
Decomposition of 簧
IDS Structure⿱⺮黄
簧Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
黄Huang2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 簧?
How to say reed; lock, metal spring in Chinese
“reed; lock, metal spring” in Chinese is簧huáng
The character 簧 (huáng) primarily refers to a type of reed or a metallic spring used in locks. It can also denote the reed used in musical instruments, highlighting its versatility in both natural and mechanical contexts. This word is less common in everyday conversation, but it appears in specific technical or musical discussions.
When to use 簧
Be cautious when using 簧 in conversation, as it is more specialized and may not be understood by all speakers. It is often found in technical contexts, such as music or locksmithing, and is not typically used in everyday language. Ensure you are using the correct tone (2nd tone) to avoid confusion with other words.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 簧 with other similar-sounding words, such as 黄 (huáng), which means 'yellow.' Remember that 簧 relates to reeds and springs, while 黄 refers to color. A common mistake is saying '我喜欢簧' (I like huáng) when referring to a color instead of '黄'.
Write 簧
簧
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 簧 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 簧
簧 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.
zhè chū“ “ shuāng” huáng ” yǎn jì suī rán bù, zǎ de ,“ què shōu dào “” jīn chán.
This choreographed pas de deux prevented the issue overwhelming all others.
Word Family of 簧
Words Containing This Character12
弹簧spring彈簧
簧huángmetallic reed
双簧an oboe or bassoon雙簧
双簧管double reed wind instrument (such as oboe or bassoon)雙簧管
巧舌如簧fig. to have a glib tongue
单簧管clarinet單簧管
簧片reed (music)
弹簧刀flick knife彈簧刀
弹簧锁spring lock彈簧鎖
弹簧秤spring balance彈簧秤
弹簧门swing door彈簧門
如簧之舌fig. a glib tongue
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 弹簧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 簧
While 簧 specifically refers to reed or springs, 音 (yīn) pertains to sound or tone, highlighting the distinction between materials and their auditory properties.
No, 簧 is more specialized and is typically used in technical discussions regarding music or mechanics, rather than in day-to-day dialogue.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 簧?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
