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March 24, 2026
孔Kǒng(Kong3)
孔 (Kǒng) primarily refers to a 'hole' or 'opening' and can also denote the surname Kong, which is notably linked to Confucius (孔子). In contexts such as geography or anatomy, it signifies any kind of orifice or cavity. It's also used as a classifier for cave dwellings, emphasizing its association with openings in the earth or structures.
Strokes4Radical子Frequency#6979DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
孔 is closely associated with Confucius (孔子), a central figure in Chinese philosophy, symbolizing moral and ethical teachings in Chinese culture. His surname, 孔, is revered in educational contexts, reflecting the importance of learning and wisdom.
Memory Tip
Imagine a great big hole (孔) in the ground where you could fit a whole Kong (think of a giant figure of Confucius) standing. The character has a visual resemblance to an opening, with the top line suggesting a roof over a spacious hole below, making it memorable.
Meanings of 孔
Kǒng(Kong3)
1hole
2classifier for cave dwellings
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 孔
孔Simplified
4Strokes
子Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#6979Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 孔
Podcast: 孔
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AI Study Notes for 孔
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a great big hole (孔) in the ground where you could fit a whole Kong (think of a giant figure of Confucius) standing. The character has a visual resemblance to an opening, with the top line suggesting a roof over a spacious hole below, making it memorable.
Usage Notes
When using 孔, be cautious to differentiate it from similar-sounding characters like 空 (kōng, meaning 'empty'). It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions related to history, culture, or geography. Common collocations include 孔子 (Kǒng zǐ, Confucius) and 孔洞 (kǒng dòng, hole).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 孔 connects to advanced vocabulary related to culture and history, especially when discussing figures like Confucius. Students should focus on its different meanings and usage contexts to enhance comprehension and fluency.
Cultural Note
孔 is closely associated with Confucius (孔子), a central figure in Chinese philosophy, symbolizing moral and ethical teachings in Chinese culture. His surname, 孔, is revered in educational contexts, reflecting the importance of learning and wisdom.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 孔 (Kǒng) with 空 (kōng), which means 'empty'. For example, saying 孔洞 (kǒng dòng, 'empty hole') instead of 孔洞 (kǒng dòng, 'hole') can lead to misunderstandings; make sure to use the correct character based on the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 孔
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Grammar Patterns of 孔
孔 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). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The nightdress has handmade lace round the armholes and neckline.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
A plug had been inserted in the drill hole.
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Cultural Notes for 孔
🏮Cultural insight
孔 is closely associated with Confucius (孔子), a central figure in Chinese philosophy, symbolizing moral and ethical teachings in Chinese culture. His surname, 孔, is revered in educational contexts, reflecting the importance of learning and wisdom.
Word Family of 孔
Compounds3
吼hou3roar or howl of an animal
芤kou1China grass, ramie
犼
Words Containing This Character20
孔Kǒnghole
面孔face
孔子Confucius (551-479 BC), Chinese thinker and social philosopher, also known as 孔夫子[Kǒngfūzǐ]
瞳孔pupil (of eye)
孔雀peacock
毛孔pore
鼻孔nostril
脸孔face臉孔
穿孔to perforate
弹孔bullet hole彈孔
钻孔to drill鑽孔
针孔pinhole針孔
气孔pore氣孔
千疮百孔heavily damaged千瘡百孔
孔明courtesy name of Zhuge Liang 諸葛亮|诸葛亮[ZhūgěLiàng]
多孔porous
孔隙pore (geology)
插孔jack
孔径diameter of hole孔徑
锁孔keyhole鎖孔
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 吼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 孔
In addition to 'hole', 孔 is also a common surname in China, particularly associated with Confucius.
It is pronounced as Kǒng with a third tone, which means you should start at a mid-level pitch and dip down before rising.
Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal conversations, especially when discussing cultural or historical topics.
