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March 24, 2026
薨hōng(hong1)
The character 薨 (hōng) refers specifically to the death of a prince or a noble person in historical contexts. It can also imply the concept of swarming, particularly in relation to insects or groups. This term is rarely used in modern conversation and is mostly found in literary or historical texts.
Strokes16Radical艹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese society, the death of a prince was a significant event, often marked by elaborate mourning rituals and ceremonies, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. The term 薨 captures the gravity of such an event.
Memory Tip
Imagine a swarm of bees (the radical 薦, which means fragrant plants) buzzing around a royal crown (symbolizing a prince). The sound of the buzzing reminds you of 'hōng,' representing both the death of royalty and the idea of swarming.
Meanings of 薨
hōng(hong1)
1the death of a prince; to swarm
2death of a prince
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 薨
薨Simplified
16Strokes
艹Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 薨
Podcast: 薨
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AI Study Notes for 薨
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a swarm of bees (the radical 薦, which means fragrant plants) buzzing around a royal crown (symbolizing a prince). The sound of the buzzing reminds you of 'hōng,' representing both the death of royalty and the idea of swarming.
Usage Notes
薨 (hōng) is typically used in formal contexts and may appear in historical texts or discussions about nobility. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As this character is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, learners should focus on understanding its historical significance. Connecting it to terms related to nobility or death can help reinforce its meaning within the context of Chinese history.
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese society, the death of a prince was a significant event, often marked by elaborate mourning rituals and ceremonies, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. The term 薨 captures the gravity of such an event.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 薨 with similar-sounding characters, leading to incorrect meanings. For example, using 薨 when referring to common death (死, sǐ) is incorrect; 薨 should only be used in the context of noble death.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 薨
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Cultural Notes for 薨
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient Chinese society, the death of a prince was a significant event, often marked by elaborate mourning rituals and ceremonies, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. The term 薨 captures the gravity of such an event.
Word Family of 薨
Words Containing This Character1
薨hōngswarming
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 薨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 薨
No, 薨 is rarely used in everyday language and is primarily found in historical or literary contexts.
You can associate 'hōng' with the buzzing sound of a swarm, which can help you recall its form and meaning.
It is typically used in formal discussions about history or nobility, especially concerning the death of a prince.
