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龕 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
龕kānniche, shrinezg, 22 strokes, radical 龍, rank #86862, Very Hard
kān(kan1)kan T1
  1. 1niche, shrine
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March 24, 2026

龕kān(kan1)

The character 龕 (kān) refers to a niche or shrine, often used to describe a small alcove or space designed for holding religious artifacts or statues. It is commonly found in temples or homes where worship takes place, reflecting a space of reverence and spiritual significance.

Strokes22Radical龍Frequency#86862DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, shrines play an important role in ancestor worship and various religious practices, which emphasizes the significance of 龕 in maintaining traditions and connecting with spirituality.

Memory tip

Imagine a small, sacred cave (龕) where a statue of a deity sits. The cave's shape resembles the character itself, which can help you remember both the form and the meaning. Visualize the sounds of 'kān' echoing softly in this tranquil space.

Meanings of 龕

kān(kan1)
1niche, shrine
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 龕

龕Simplified
22Strokes
龍Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 龕

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Podcast: 龕

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AI study notes for 龕

Usage Notes

This character is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, often related to religion or traditional architecture. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters like 殿 (diàn), which means temple or hall.

HSK Study Tips

Although 龕 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be useful for students interested in cultural studies or religious vocabulary. Focus on recognizing it in texts about Buddhism or Taoism, as it may appear in descriptions of shrines.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 龕 with similar characters, such as 堂 (táng), which means hall. Remember, 龕 refers specifically to niches or shrines, while 堂 refers to larger gathering spaces.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 龕

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Etymology of 龕

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 龙 represents the meaning and 合 represents the sound. Simplified form of 龕.

Memory hint

dragon

Semantic (meaning)龍
+
Phonetic (sound)合
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

龕 = 龍 + 合. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 龕

IDS Structure⿱合龍
龕Full character
=
合ge3
top
龍long2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 龕?

How to say niche, shrine in Chinese

“niche, shrine” in Chinese is龕kān

The character 龕 (kān) refers to a niche or shrine, often used to describe a small alcove or space designed for holding religious artifacts or statues. It is commonly found in temples or homes where worship takes place, reflecting a space of reverence and spiritual significance.

When to use 龕

This character is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, often related to religion or traditional architecture. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters like 殿 (diàn), which means temple or hall.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 龕 with similar characters, such as 堂 (táng), which means hall. Remember, 龕 refers specifically to niches or shrines, while 堂 refers to larger gathering spaces.

Write 龕

龕

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

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Word Family of 龕

Words containing this character4
神龛shrine神龕
龛kānniche龕
壁龛niche (in a wall)壁龕
佛龛niche for statue (esp. Buddhist, Christian etc)佛龕
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 龕

What does 神龛 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 龕

龕 specifically refers to a niche or small shrine, while characters such as 寺 (sì) denote a larger temple.

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