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March 24, 2026
孔Kǒng(Kong3)
孔 (Kǒng) primarily refers to a 'hole' or 'opening' and can also denote the surname Kong, which is notably linked to Confucius (孔子). In contexts such as geography or anatomy, it signifies any kind of orifice or cavity. It's also used as a classifier for cave dwellings, emphasizing its association with openings in the earth or structures.
Strokes4Radical子Frequency#6979DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
孔 is closely associated with Confucius (孔子), a central figure in Chinese philosophy, symbolizing moral and ethical teachings in Chinese culture. His surname, 孔, is revered in educational contexts, reflecting the importance of learning and wisdom.
Memory tip
Imagine a great big hole (孔) in the ground where you could fit a whole Kong (think of a giant figure of Confucius) standing. The character has a visual resemblance to an opening, with the top line suggesting a roof over a spacious hole below, making it memorable.
Meanings of 孔
Kǒng(Kong3)
1hole
2classifier for cave dwellings
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About 孔
孔Simplified
4Strokes
子Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#6979Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 孔
Podcast: 孔
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AI study notes for 孔
Usage Notes
When using 孔, be cautious to differentiate it from similar-sounding characters like 空 (kōng, meaning 'empty'). It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions related to history, culture, or geography. Common collocations include 孔子 (Kǒng zǐ, Confucius) and 孔洞 (kǒng dòng, hole).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 孔 connects to advanced vocabulary related to culture and history, especially when discussing figures like Confucius. Students should focus on its different meanings and usage contexts to enhance comprehension and fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 孔 (Kǒng) with 空 (kōng), which means 'empty'. For example, saying 孔洞 (kǒng dòng, 'empty hole') instead of 孔洞 (kǒng dòng, 'hole') can lead to misunderstandings; make sure to use the correct character based on the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 孔
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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.
孔 (Kǒng) primarily refers to a 'hole' or 'opening' and can also denote the surname Kong, which is notably linked to Confucius (孔子). In contexts such as geography or anatomy, it signifies any kind of orifice or cavity. It's also used as a classifier for cave dwellings, emphasizing its association with openings in the earth or structures.
When to use 孔
When using 孔, be cautious to differentiate it from similar-sounding characters like 空 (kōng, meaning 'empty'). It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions related to history, culture, or geography. Common collocations include 孔子 (Kǒng zǐ, Confucius) and 孔洞 (kǒng dòng, hole).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 孔 (Kǒng) with 空 (kōng), which means 'empty'. For example, saying 孔洞 (kǒng dòng, 'empty hole') instead of 孔洞 (kǒng dòng, 'hole') can lead to misunderstandings; make sure to use the correct character based on the intended meaning.
Write 孔
孔
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Grammar patterns of 孔
孔 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 4 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
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
