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March 24, 2026
羹gēng(geng1)
The character 羹 (gēng) refers to a type of thick soup or broth, often containing meat and vegetables. It is typically more substantial than a clear soup and is common in various Chinese cuisines, particularly in formal or celebratory dishes.
Strokes19Radical羊Frequency#15622DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 羹 is often served during important banquets or ceremonies, symbolizing wealth and abundance. The preparation of a good 羹 can showcase one’s cooking skills and hospitality.
Memory Tip
Imagine a steaming bowl of thick soup (gēng) that is so hearty you can ‘gain’ (sounds like 'geng') energy from it. The character 羹 resembles a bowl with steam rising above, representing warmth and nourishment.
Meanings of 羹
gēng(geng1)
1soup, broth
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 羹
羹Simplified
19Strokes
羊Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 羹
Podcast: 羹
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AI Study Notes for 羹
Quick Contrast
汤 (tāng) refers to a clear soup or broth, while 羹 (gēng) denotes a thicker, more substantial soup.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a steaming bowl of thick soup (gēng) that is so hearty you can ‘gain’ (sounds like 'geng') energy from it. The character 羹 resembles a bowl with steam rising above, representing warmth and nourishment.
Usage Notes
Be aware that 羹 is more formal and is often used in culinary contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with 汤 (tāng), which means 'soup' in a more general sense. Use 羹 when referring to thicker soups, especially in menus or formal dining settings.
HSK Study Tips
Though 羹 is not included in standard HSK levels, it connects to other food-related terms students might learn, such as 汤 (tāng) for soup. Focus on understanding context and usage in culinary conversations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 羹 is often served during important banquets or ceremonies, symbolizing wealth and abundance. The preparation of a good 羹 can showcase one’s cooking skills and hospitality.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 羹 when they mean to say 汤, as in saying '我想要一碗羹' (Wǒ xiǎng yào yī wǎn gēng) instead of '我想要一碗汤' (Wǒ xiǎng yào yī wǎn tāng). Remember, use 羹 for thicker soups specifically.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 羹
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Grammar Patterns of 羹
羹 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我所得到的唯一食物就是这家人的残____剩饭。
The only food I ever got was the family's leftovers.
Example Sentences for 羹 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我所得到的唯一食物就是这家人的残羹剩饭。
wǒ suǒ dé dào de wéi yī shí wù jiù shì zhè jiā rén de cán gēng shèng fàn。
The only food I ever got was the family's leftovers.
2
20世纪70年代，急于分一杯羹的柯达公司推出了自己的拍立得相机。
20 20 shì70 jì 70， nián dài ， jí yú fēn yī bēi gēng de kē dá gōng sī tuī chū le zì jǐ de pāi lì。
In the 1970s Kodak, anxious to get in on the act, launched its own instant camera.
Leftover food and unwashed dishes cover the dirty counters.
10
她好象神经质似地把她面前的蛋糕和甜杏仁羹推在一边.
tā hǎo xiàng shén jīng zhì sì dì bǎ tā miàn qián de dàn gāo hé tián xìng rén gēng tuī zài yī biān.
She nervously pushed away her cake and stewed apricots.
Cultural Notes for 羹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 羹 is often served during important banquets or ceremonies, symbolizing wealth and abundance. The preparation of a good 羹 can showcase one’s cooking skills and hospitality.
Word Family of 羹
Words Containing This Character9
羹gēngsoup
调羹spoon調羹
闭门羹to be refused entrance (idiom)閉門羹
残羹剩饭leftovers from a meal殘羹剩飯
残羹leftovers from a meal殘羹
吃闭门羹to be refused entrance (idiom)吃閉門羹
肉羹stew
羹汤soup羹湯
羊羹yōkan, gelatin dessert typically made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar, sold in block form
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 羹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 羹
羹 refers specifically to thick soups or broths, whereas 汤 is a general term for any type of soup.
While you can, 羹 is typically reserved for more formal contexts or when discussing specific dishes.
羹 is usually made by simmering meat and vegetables together to create a rich, thick broth.
