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) 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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 昆 represents the sound.
1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
2The sound half昆 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywood
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 棍? 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 棍?
Decomposition of 棍
IDS Structure⿰木昆
棍Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
昆kun1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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
Complete the Sentence
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.
