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March 24, 2026
横(橫)héng(heng2)
The character 横 (héng) primarily means 'horizontal' or 'across,' often used in contexts relating to direction or layout. It can also imply something harsh or unreasonable, making it versatile in describing situations or behaviors. This word is frequently encountered in both everyday conversation and formal writing, especially in art or design discussions.
Strokes15Radical木Frequency#6346DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese calligraphy, the 横 stroke is fundamental and often symbolizes a strong foundation. Mastering this stroke is essential for students of calligraphy and is often one of the first strokes taught, reflecting the importance of horizontal lines in various artistic traditions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a horizontal line stretching across a canvas. The character 横 looks like a horizontal stroke itself, resembling a straight line. To remember 'héng,' think of a 'hang' sign that is placed horizontally, guiding people across a street.
Meanings of 横
héng(heng2)
primary
1horizontal
2across
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 横
横Simplified
橫Traditional
15Strokes
木Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#6346Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 横
Podcast: 横
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AI Study Notes for 横
Quick Contrast
横 (héng) vs 竖 (shù) — use 横 for horizontal orientation, while 竖 specifically refers to vertical orientation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a horizontal line stretching across a canvas. The character 横 looks like a horizontal stroke itself, resembling a straight line. To remember 'héng,' think of a 'hang' sign that is placed horizontally, guiding people across a street.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 横 with other directional words like 竖 (shù, 'vertical'). It's important to use 横 in both physical and metaphorical contexts, such as describing a person's unreasonable attitude. Pay attention to the tone; the second tone is important in conveying the correct meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 6 HSK word, 横 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to direction, layout, and critique in language. Students should focus on using it in expressions and understanding its nuances in different contexts, particularly in literature and art discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese calligraphy, the 横 stroke is fundamental and often symbolizes a strong foundation. Mastering this stroke is essential for students of calligraphy and is often one of the first strokes taught, reflecting the importance of horizontal lines in various artistic traditions.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 横 to describe vertical arrangements, which should instead use 竖 (shù). For example, saying 横的线条 when referring to vertical lines is incorrect; it should be 竖的线条.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 横
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Grammar Patterns of 横
横 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
框架用____杆牢牢固定在后墙上。
The frames are secured by horizontal rails to the back wall.
Please hang the mirror horizontally; it suits the room's style better.
16
横线和竖线组成了这个复杂的图案。
Héngxiàn hé shùxiàn zǔchéngle zhège fùzá de tú'àn.
Horizontal and vertical lines make up this complex pattern.
Cultural Notes for 横
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese calligraphy, the 横 stroke is fundamental and often symbolizes a strong foundation. Mastering this stroke is essential for students of calligraphy and is often one of the first strokes taught, reflecting the importance of horizontal lines in various artistic traditions.
Word Family of 横
Words Containing This Character20
横héngacross橫
才华横溢brilliant才華橫溢
横扫to sweep away橫掃
横向héngxiànghorizontal橫向
横行to riot橫行
纵横zònghéngcriss-crossed縱橫
横穿to cross橫穿
横梁beam橫梁
横幅banner橫幅
横跨to span橫跨
专横imperious專橫
横冲直撞to barge橫衝直撞
横行霸道to oppress橫行霸道
蛮横rude and unreasonable蠻橫
横滨Yokohama, Japan橫濱
横财easy money橫財
横渡to cross (a body of water)橫渡
横流to overflow橫流
横批horizontal scroll (for inscription)橫批
人行横道pedestrian crossing人行橫道
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 横 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 横
The pinyin is 'héng,' with a rising tone. Practice saying it with emphasis on the second syllable.
Yes, 横 can describe both physical orientations and metaphorical situations, like describing someone's unreasonable behavior.
No, 横 is used in both spoken and written Chinese, making it versatile for various contexts.
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