HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 巳, rank #10499, Very Hard
巷
xiàng
alley
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 巳, rank #10499, Very Hard
xiàng(xiang4) T4
1lane
2alley
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
巷xiàng(xiang4)
The character 巷 (xiàng) refers to a narrow street or alleyway, typically found in urban settings. It is often used to describe smaller passageways that connect larger roads, and can evoke a sense of intimacy or seclusion in a bustling city.
Strokes9Radical巳Frequency#10499DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, alleys (巷) often have historical significance and are home to traditional neighborhoods, showcasing the cultural heritage and communal life that exist away from main thoroughfares.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, winding alley where people whisper secrets. The character 巷 looks like a person (丶) wandering through a narrow space (巷) between tall buildings, emphasizing the idea of a hidden lane.
Meanings of 巷
xiàng(xiang4)
1lane
2alley
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 巷
巷Simplified
9Strokes
巳Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#10499Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 巷
Podcast: 巷
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 巷
Quick Contrast
巷 (xiàng) vs 街 (jiē) — use 巷 for narrower, more intimate passageways, while 街 refers to wider streets.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 巷 with other words for street, such as 街 (jiē), which refers to a broader street. It is generally used in informal contexts and can be combined with other words, such as 小巷 (xiǎo xiàng) for 'narrow alley'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 巷 connects with other location-related vocabulary. Students should focus on using it in context with other directional and location words to enhance their spatial vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 巷 with 胡同 (hútong), which specifically refers to traditional alleyways in Beijing. For example, saying '我住在胡同' (Wǒ zhù zài hútong) when referring to a general alley may lead to confusion; instead, use '我住在巷' (Wǒ zhù zài xiàng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 巷
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 巷 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 邑 represents the meaning and 共 represents the sound.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 巷? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 巷?
Decomposition of 巷
IDS Structure⿱共巳
巷Full Character
=
共gong4
top
巳si4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 巷?
How to say lane in Chinese
“lane” in Chinese is巷xiàng
The character 巷 (xiàng) refers to a narrow street or alleyway, typically found in urban settings. It is often used to describe smaller passageways that connect larger roads, and can evoke a sense of intimacy or seclusion in a bustling city.
When to use 巷
Be careful not to confuse 巷 with other words for street, such as 街 (jiē), which refers to a broader street. It is generally used in informal contexts and can be combined with other words, such as 小巷 (xiǎo xiàng) for 'narrow alley'.
巷 or something close to it
巷 (xiàng) vs 街 (jiē) — use 巷 for narrower, more intimate passageways, while 街 refers to wider streets.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 巷 with 胡同 (hútong), which specifically refers to traditional alleyways in Beijing. For example, saying '我住在胡同' (Wǒ zhù zài hútong) when referring to a general alley may lead to confusion; instead, use '我住在巷' (Wǒ zhù zài xiàng).
Write 巷
巷
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 巷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 巷
巷 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 2 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.
