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袞 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
gǔnimperial robe; ceremonial dresszg, 11 strokes, radical 衣, Very Hard
gǔn(gun3) T3
  1. 1imperial robe; ceremonial dress
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March 24, 2026
gǔn(gun3)

The character 袞 (gǔn) refers to an imperial robe or ceremonial dress, typically worn during formal occasions in ancient China. It signifies status and authority, often associated with royalty and high-ranking officials. The use of this garment was prominent in traditional Chinese culture, especially during dynastic rule.

Strokes11RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The 袞 was an essential part of imperial ceremonies and symbolizes the power and prestige of the emperor. It is often depicted in artworks and performances that recreate historical events.

Memory Tip

Imagine a grand emperor wearing a luxurious robe that flows like a river (gǔn sounds like 'gun', and rivers flow). The character 袞 looks like a person adorned in flowing garments, emphasizing the elegance and grandeur of imperial attire.

Meanings of 袞

gǔn(gun3)
1imperial robe; ceremonial dress
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 袞

Simplified
11Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 袞

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 袞

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a grand emperor wearing a luxurious robe that flows like a river (gǔn sounds like 'gun', and rivers flow). The character 袞 looks like a person adorned in flowing garments, emphasizing the elegance and grandeur of imperial attire.

Usage Notes

When using 袞, it is important to note that it is often used in historical or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Avoid confusion with similar characters related to clothing, and be aware that it carries a formal tone.

HSK Study Tips

While 袞 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it reflects themes present in HSK Level 4 and above, such as cultural heritage and historical terminology. Students should focus on recognizing the character in classical texts and understanding its significance in discussions about Chinese history.

Cultural Note

The 袞 was an essential part of imperial ceremonies and symbolizes the power and prestige of the emperor. It is often depicted in artworks and performances that recreate historical events.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 袞 with similar clothing-related characters like 衣 (yī, clothes) or 裙 (qún, skirt). For example, saying '我穿袞' (I wear a gǔn) is incorrect; instead, one would refer to specific contexts where 袞 is applicable.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 袞

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Etymology of 袞

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 袞. Phonosemantic compound. 衣 represents the meaning and 公 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

The emperor 口 in 八 his robes 衣

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 袞?

Decomposition of 袞

IDS Structure⿻衣⿱八口
Full Character
=
yi1
outer
ba1
top
kou3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 袞?

Write 袞

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

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Cultural Notes for 袞

🏮Cultural insight

The 袞 was an essential part of imperial ceremonies and symbolizes the power and prestige of the emperor. It is often depicted in artworks and performances that recreate historical events.

Word Family of 袞

Words Containing This Character2
多尔衮Dorgon (1612-1651), fourteenth son of Nurhaci 努爾哈赤|努尔哈赤, successful general, instrumental in Manchu conquest of China, ruled China as regent 1644-1650 for his nephew Emperor Shunzhi 順治帝多爾袞
gǔnimperial robe
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 多尔衮 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 袞

Modern equivalents might include luxury robes or formal wear used in significant ceremonies, but they lack the historical weight and cultural significance of 袞.