HSK 6, zg, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #6631, Hard
棍
gùn
rod
HSK 6, zg, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #6631, Hard
棍
gùn
truncheon
HSK 6, zg, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #6631, Hard
棍
gùn
stick, cudgel; scoundrel
HSK 6, zg, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #6631, Hard
gùn(gun4)gun T4
1stick
2rod
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March 24, 2026
棍gùn(gun4)
The character 棍 (gùn) refers to a stick or rod, often used to describe a long, slender object typically made of wood. It can also imply a truncheon or cudgel, which is a type of heavy stick used for striking. This word can have a negative connotation when used to describe a scoundrel or someone who acts deceitfully.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#6631DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese martial arts, sticks (棍) are often used as weapons, showcasing both skill and discipline. The use of a stick in practice reflects the importance of physical training in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Think of a stick (gùn) that is so long it can be used as a walking aid, or to hit something. The radical '木' (wood) suggests its material, while the '军' (army) component can remind you of discipline, as in using a stick for order. Imagine a soldier using a wooden stick to maintain control.
Meanings of 棍
gùn(gun4)
1stick
2rod
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 棍 means.
About 棍
棍Simplified
12Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#6631Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 棍
Podcast: 棍
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AI Study Notes for 棍
Quick Contrast
棍 (gùn) vs 杆 (gān) — use 棍 for a stick or cudgel with a negative connotation, while 杆 refers to a pole or rod without such implications.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the pronunciation, as a mispronounced tone can change the meaning. This character is more commonly used in informal contexts when referring to physical sticks or rods. Common collocations include '棍子' (gùnzi) for 'stick' or '木棍' (mùgùn) for 'wooden stick'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 棍 (gùn) is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be connected to similar characters like 木 (mù - wood) and 杆 (gǎn - pole). Focus on the radicals and context to understand its use in everyday language.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 棍 (gùn) with other similar-sounding words. For example, using 棍 instead of 棒 (bàng) which means 'bat' or 'stick' used in sports. Always ensure you are using the correct context for each word.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 棍
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How Well Do You Know 棍?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 棍 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
棍 = 木 + 昆. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 棍
IDS Structure⿰木昆
棍Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
昆kun1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 棍?
How to say stick in Chinese
“stick” in Chinese is棍gùn
The character 棍 (gùn) refers to a stick or rod, often used to describe a long, slender object typically made of wood. It can also imply a truncheon or cudgel, which is a type of heavy stick used for striking. This word can have a negative connotation when used to describe a scoundrel or someone who acts deceitfully.
When to use 棍
Be careful with the pronunciation, as a mispronounced tone can change the meaning. This character is more commonly used in informal contexts when referring to physical sticks or rods. Common collocations include '棍子' (gùnzi) for 'stick' or '木棍' (mùgùn) for 'wooden stick'.
棍 or something close to it
棍 (gùn) vs 杆 (gān) — use 棍 for a stick or cudgel with a negative connotation, while 杆 refers to a pole or rod without such implications.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 棍 (gùn) with other similar-sounding words. For example, using 棍 instead of 棒 (bàng) which means 'bat' or 'stick' used in sports. Always ensure you are using the correct context for each word.
Write 棍
棍
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Practice writing 棍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 棍
棍 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
瓦莱丽在排球、篮球和曲____球三个项目上获得了佩戴校名首字母标志的荣誉。
Valerie earned letters in three sports: volleyball, basketball, and field hockey.
Example Sentences for 棍 (10)
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1
瓦莱丽在排球、篮球和曲棍球三个项目上获得了佩戴校名首字母标志的荣誉。
wǎ lái lì zài pái qiú、 、 lán qiú hé qū gùn qiú sān gè xiàng mù shàng huò dé le pèi dài xiào míng shǒu zì mǔ biāo zhì de róng。
Valerie earned letters in three sports: volleyball, basketball, and field hockey.
