Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
罡 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
罡gāngthe stars at the end of the Big Dipperx, 10 strokes, radical 罒
罡gāngstars of the Big Dipper that constitute the tail of the dipperunknown, 10 strokes, radical 罒
gāng(gang1) T1
  1. 1the stars at the end of the Big Dipper
  2. 2stars of the Big Dipper that constitute the tail of the dipper
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

罡gāng(gang1)

The character 罡 (gāng) refers to the stars at the end of the Big Dipper, specifically those that form the tail of the dipper. It is often used in contexts related to astronomy and navigation, highlighting the significance of these stars in Chinese culture for orientation and the understanding of celestial patterns.

Strokes10Radical罒
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the Big Dipper is not just a constellation but also has a role in traditional astrology and navigation. The stars of 罡 have historically guided travelers and influenced agricultural practices.

Memory Tip

Think of 罡 as a 'gang' of stars leading the way in the night sky. The radical 罡 resembles a roof (representing the sky) over a group of stars, emphasizing its celestial meaning. Imagine a 'gang of stars' lighting the way for travelers.

Meanings of 罡

gāng(gang1)
1the stars at the end of the Big Dipper
2stars of the Big Dipper that constitute the tail of the dipper
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 罡

罡Simplified
10Strokes
罒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 罡

JasonAmy

Podcast: 罡

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 罡

Usage Notes

While 罡 is a specific term related to astronomy, it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, so context is crucial. Be careful not to confuse it with other astronomical terms. It is more formal and typically used in literary contexts.

HSK Study Tips

As 罡 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, focus on related words such as 星 (xīng, star) or 大斗 (dà dǒu, Big Dipper) to build your understanding of celestial terms. Recognize its significance in traditional Chinese navigation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 罡 as 'gǎng' instead of 'gāng', confusing it with a similar-sounding word meaning 'to build'. Always remember the correct tone to convey the right meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 罡

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 罡 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 罡

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

net

Semantic (meaning)罒
+
Phonetic (sound)正
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 罡

  1. 1The meaning half罒 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half正 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaynet
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 罡? 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 罡?

Decomposition of 罡

IDS Structure⿱罒正
罡Full Character
=
罒wang3
top
正zheng1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 罡?

How to say the stars at the end of the Big Dipper in Chinese

“the stars at the end of the Big Dipper” in Chinese is罡gāng

The character 罡 (gāng) refers to the stars at the end of the Big Dipper, specifically those that form the tail of the dipper. It is often used in contexts related to astronomy and navigation, highlighting the significance of these stars in Chinese culture for orientation and the understanding of celestial patterns.

When to use 罡

While 罡 is a specific term related to astronomy, it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, so context is crucial. Be careful not to confuse it with other astronomical terms. It is more formal and typically used in literary contexts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 罡 as 'gǎng' instead of 'gāng', confusing it with a similar-sounding word meaning 'to build'. Always remember the correct tone to convey the right meaning.

Write 罡

罡

Practice writing 罡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 罡

Words Containing This Character1
罡gāngstars of the Big Dipper that constitute the tail of the dipper
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 罡 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 罡

It refers specifically to the stars making up the tail of the Big Dipper, useful in discussions about astronomy.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 罡?

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.