unknown, 8 strokes, radical 纟, rank #49862, Very Hard
gàn(gan4) T4
1purple, violet
2violet or purple
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March 24, 2026
绀(紺)gàn(gan4)
The character 绀 (gàn) refers to a specific shade of purple or violet. It is often used in contexts related to colors, especially in art, design, and fashion, where precise color descriptions are important.
Strokes8Radical纟Frequency#49862DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, colors hold significant meanings, and purple is often associated with nobility and spirituality, making 绀 a color of importance in historical contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand purple gown (绀) draped elegantly on a model. The gown's rich color steals the show, making 'gàn' (sounds like 'grand') a memorable way to recall this hue.
Meanings of 绀
gàn(gan4)
1purple, violet
2violet or purple
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 绀
绀Simplified
紺Traditional
8Strokes
纟Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 绀
Podcast: 绀
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AI Study Notes for 绀
Quick Contrast
绀 (gàn) vs 紫 (zǐ) — use 绀 for a specific shade of purple, while 紫 refers to purple in a more general sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand purple gown (绀) draped elegantly on a model. The gown's rich color steals the show, making 'gàn' (sounds like 'grand') a memorable way to recall this hue.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 绀 with similar terms for other colors, like 蓝 (lán, blue) or 红 (hóng, red). This character is generally used in more formal contexts, such as art critiques, rather than casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 绀 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your color vocabulary. Students at this level should focus on related color terms to expand their expressive capabilities.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, colors hold significant meanings, and purple is often associated with nobility and spirituality, making 绀 a color of importance in historical contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 绀 with other color characters. For example, saying '我喜欢绀色' (I like gàn color) instead of '我喜欢紫色' (I like purple) is incorrect, as 绀 is a specific shade of purple rather than a general term.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绀
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Cultural Notes for 绀
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, colors hold significant meanings, and purple is often associated with nobility and spirituality, making 绀 a color of importance in historical contexts.
Word Family of 绀
Words Containing This Character2
绀gànviolet or purple紺
发绀cyanosis (blue skin due to lack of oxygen in blood)發紺
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 绀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 绀
It is pronounced as 'gàn', with a falling tone.
No, it is more commonly found in artistic or descriptive contexts.
No, it specifically refers to a shade of purple and cannot be used for other colors.
