乾坤 (qiánkūn) refers to the universe or the concept of heaven and earth in Chinese philosophy. It often symbolizes the duality and balance of opposites, such as yin and yang. This term is commonly used in literary and philosophical contexts to describe the vastness and interconnectedness of existence.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
qiánkūn(qian2kun1) T2
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May 27, 2026
乾坤qiánkūn(qian2kun1)
乾坤 (qiánkūn) refers to the universe or the concept of heaven and earth in Chinese philosophy. It often symbolizes the duality and balance of opposites, such as yin and yang. This term is commonly used in literary and philosophical contexts to describe the vastness and interconnectedness of existence.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 乾坤 is deeply rooted in Daoism, where it symbolizes the balance of forces in the universe. It is often referenced in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, emphasizing harmony between opposing elements.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant yin-yang symbol in the sky, with the sun (乾, qián) representing heaven and the earth (坤, kūn) below. This imagery helps you remember that 乾 (qián) means 'heaven' and 坤 (kūn) means 'earth', and together they encompass everything in the universe.
About 乾坤
乾坤Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 乾坤
Podcast: 乾坤
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AI Study Notes for 乾坤
Quick Contrast
天地 (tiāndì) — use 乾坤 for philosophical or literary contexts, while 天地 is more literal, referring specifically to heaven and earth.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant yin-yang symbol in the sky, with the sun (乾, qián) representing heaven and the earth (坤, kūn) below. This imagery helps you remember that 乾 (qián) means 'heaven' and 坤 (kūn) means 'earth', and together they encompass everything in the universe.
Usage Notes
乾坤 is often used in literary or philosophical discussions, so it may not appear in everyday conversation. When using this term, be mindful of the context, as it can sound overly formal in casual settings. Additionally, be careful with the tones; 乾 (qián) has a rising tone, while 坤 (kūn) has a flat tone.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, focus on understanding 乾坤 within philosophical texts or classical literature. This word connects with other HSK vocabulary related to nature and duality, such as 天 (tiān, sky/heaven) and 地 (dì, earth).
Cultural Note
The concept of 乾坤 is deeply rooted in Daoism, where it symbolizes the balance of forces in the universe. It is often referenced in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, emphasizing harmony between opposing elements.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the tones and mix up 乾 (qián) with 见 (jiàn), leading to mispronunciation. For example, saying '见坤' instead of '乾坤' changes the meaning completely. Always practice the correct tones: 乾 (qián) and 坤 (kūn).
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 乾坤
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Cultural Notes for 乾坤
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 乾坤 is deeply rooted in Daoism, where it symbolizes the balance of forces in the universe. It is often referenced in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, emphasizing harmony between opposing elements.
Frequently Asked Questions about 乾坤
It literally translates to 'heaven and earth', representing the entirety of the universe.
It's more suitable for literary or philosophical contexts rather than everyday speech.
Yes, it can be found in phrases that discuss balance or the nature of existence.
