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March 24, 2026
肝gān(gan1)
The character 肝 (gān) refers specifically to the liver, an essential organ in the body responsible for various metabolic processes, detoxification, and synthesis of proteins. It is commonly used in medical contexts and discussions about health, nutrition, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, the liver is associated with the regulation of emotions and the smooth flow of vital energy (qi).
Strokes7Radical⺼Frequency#6689DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the liver is not only seen as a physical organ but also symbolizes emotions and mental health, often linked to anger management in TCM. Practices like acupuncture may target the liver to promote emotional balance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'can' (gān) that stores all the 'liver' functions. The character 肝 looks like a person with an upturned arm, symbolizing the liver's role in processing and managing bodily functions, while the 'can' represents storage and processing.
Meanings of 肝
gān(gan1)
1liver
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 肝
肝Simplified
7Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
叶Measure Word
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateBCT✓
Podcast: 肝
Podcast: 肝
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AI Study Notes for 肝
Quick Contrast
肾 (shèn) refers to the kidneys, which are different organs with distinct functions, while 肝 (gān) specifically denotes the liver.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant 'can' (gān) that stores all the 'liver' functions. The character 肝 looks like a person with an upturned arm, symbolizing the liver's role in processing and managing bodily functions, while the 'can' represents storage and processing.
Usage Notes
When using 肝, be mindful of its medical context; it's often paired with other terms related to health, such as 肝病 (gān bìng, liver disease). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While 肝 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary about health and anatomy, which are often seen in higher levels. Focus on related medical terms and their usage in context to build a stronger vocabulary base.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the liver is not only seen as a physical organ but also symbolizes emotions and mental health, often linked to anger management in TCM. Practices like acupuncture may target the liver to promote emotional balance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 肝 with similar-sounding words like 赶 (gǎn, to catch up). Be careful to practice the tones to avoid such mistakes, as they can lead to completely different meanings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 肝
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Grammar Patterns of 肝
肝 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
他们要是觉得受到了怠慢，就会大动____火。
They get angry if they think they are being treated disrespectfully.
Example Sentences for 肝 (10)
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1
他们要是觉得受到了怠慢，就会大动肝火。
tā mén yào shì jué dé shòu dào le dài màn， ， jiù huì dà dòng gān。
They get angry if they think they are being treated disrespectfully.
2
肝脏和肾脏的维生素A含量尤其丰富。
gān zāng hé shèn zāng de wéi shēng sùA A hán liáng yóu qí fēng。
Liver and kidney are particularly rich in vitamin A.
Alphafetoprotein production is only seen in liver cell carcinoma.
Cultural Notes for 肝
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the liver is not only seen as a physical organ but also symbolizes emotions and mental health, often linked to anger management in TCM. Practices like acupuncture may target the liver to promote emotional balance.
Word Family of 肝
Words Containing This Character19
肝gānliver
肝脏gānzàngliver肝臟
肝炎hepatitis
心肝darling
肝癌liver cancer
乙肝hepatitis B
肝硬化cirrhosis
心肝宝贝sweetheart心肝寶貝
肝病liver disease
肝火irascibility
乙型肝炎hepatitis B
脂肪肝fatty liver
鱼肝油cod liver oil魚肝油
甲肝hepatitis A
肝肠寸断fig. grief-stricken肝腸寸斷
丙型肝炎hepatitis C
肝胆相照to treat one another with absolute sincerity (idiom); to show total devotion肝膽相照
牛肝菌porcino (Boletus edulis)
甲型肝炎hepatitis A
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 肝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 肝
In TCM, the liver is believed to regulate emotions and the smooth flow of qi, impacting overall health and well-being.
'Liver disease' is translated as 肝病 (gān bìng).
Yes, dishes like 炒肝 (chǎo gān, stir-fried liver) are popular in various regional cuisines.
