unknown, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #50931, Very Hard
铿
kēng
jingling of metals
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 钅, rank #50931, Very Hard
kēng(keng1) T1
1to strike, to beat; gong, resounding noise
2(onom.) clang
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March 24, 2026
铿(鏗)kēng(keng1)
The character 铿 (kēng) refers to a resounding noise often associated with metal striking metal, such as the sound of a gong or bell. It can also describe the action of striking or beating something to produce a loud, clear sound. This character is commonly used in musical contexts or to convey the sharpness of a sound.
Strokes12Radical钅Frequency#50931DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese music, instruments like gongs and bells are significant, making 铿 relevant in cultural contexts such as festivals and ceremonies where these instruments are played.
Memory Tip
Imagine a blacksmith (the metal worker) striking a hot piece of metal, making a loud 'kēng' sound as the hammer hits it. The character 铿 looks like a clanging bell, with the '金' radical indicating metal, emphasizing the noise made when metal strikes.
Meanings of 铿
kēng(keng1)
1to strike, to beat; gong, resounding noise
2(onom.) clang
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 铿
铿Simplified
鏗Traditional
12Strokes
钅Radical
拟声词onomatopoeia (onom.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 铿
Podcast: 铿
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AI Study Notes for 铿
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a blacksmith (the metal worker) striking a hot piece of metal, making a loud 'kēng' sound as the hammer hits it. The character 铿 looks like a clanging bell, with the '金' radical indicating metal, emphasizing the noise made when metal strikes.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 铿 with other characters related to sound, such as 响 (xiǎng) which means 'to sound' or 'to echo'. Use 铿 specifically for the sounds made by metal objects. It is more formal and often found in literary or musical contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although not included in the HSK levels, understanding 铿 can enhance vocabulary related to music and sound. Students should focus on recognizing its tonal pronunciation and the context in which it appears with metal-related words.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese music, instruments like gongs and bells are significant, making 铿 relevant in cultural contexts such as festivals and ceremonies where these instruments are played.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 铿 with more commonly used sound-related words like 响 (xiǎng). A wrong example is using 响 instead of 铿 when referring to the specific sound of a gong. Correct usage would be: '铿锵的声音' (the clang of the gong) rather than '响的声音'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铿
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Cultural Notes for 铿
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese music, instruments like gongs and bells are significant, making 铿 relevant in cultural contexts such as festivals and ceremonies where these instruments are played.
Word Family of 铿
Words Containing This Character3
铿锵sonorous鏗鏘
铿kēng(onom.) clang鏗
铿然clanging鏗然
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 铿锵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 铿
铿 is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it is more frequently found in literary or artistic contexts.
Make sure to use the first tone, pronounced as 'kēng', which is high and level.
Yes, you may encounter characters like 响 (xiǎng) and 叮 (dīng) which are also related to sounds, but they have different nuances.
