relationship between cousins etc on the paternal side of a family
HSK 7, q, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #3801, Hard
堂
táng
of the same clan
HSK 7, q, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #3801, Hard
堂
táng
classifier for sets (or suites) of furniture, classes etc
HSK 7, q, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #3801, Hard
堂
táng
>间[jiān]
HSK 7, q, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #3801, Hard
堂
táng
hall, large room; government office; cousins
HSK 7, q, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #3801, Hard
堂
táng
classifier for classes, lectures etc
HSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #3801, Hard
堂
táng
classifier for sets of furniture
HSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, radical 土, rank #3801, Hard
táng(tang2) T2
1(main) hall
2large room for a specific purpose
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March 24, 2026
堂táng(tang2)
The character 堂 (táng) primarily refers to a hall or large room designated for a specific purpose, such as a classroom or government office. It can also denote familial relationships, particularly among paternal cousins, and is used as a classifier for sets of furniture or classes.
Strokes11Radical土Frequency#3801DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, family ties are highly valued, and the distinction of relationships through terms like 堂 plays a significant role in social interactions and family gatherings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand 'tang' (hall) where many family members gather. The character 堂 has a roof (土) over a structure, symbolizing a place where people come together under one roof, like a family reunion.
Meanings of 堂
táng(tang2)
1(main) hall
2large room for a specific purpose
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 堂
堂Simplified
11Strokes
土Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3801Frequency Rank
间Measure Word
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 堂
Podcast: 堂
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AI Study Notes for 堂
Quick Contrast
厅 (tīng) refers specifically to a hall or reception room, while 堂 (táng) can indicate a larger or more specific purpose, such as a classroom or familial relationship.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand 'tang' (hall) where many family members gather. The character 堂 has a roof (土) over a structure, symbolizing a place where people come together under one roof, like a family reunion.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 堂, as it can refer to both physical spaces and familial relationships. Common collocations include 堂兄 (táng xiōng) for 'paternal older cousin' and 堂课 (táng kè) for 'class'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 堂 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK level 3 words like 家 (jiā, family) and 教室 (jiàoshì, classroom). Focus on understanding its multiple meanings through context.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, family ties are highly valued, and the distinction of relationships through terms like 堂 plays a significant role in social interactions and family gatherings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 堂 with 室, thinking they are interchangeable, but remember that 堂 implies a larger, communal space. For example, saying '课堂' (kètáng) for 'classroom' is incorrect; it should be '教室' (jiàoshì).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 堂
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Grammar Patterns of 堂
堂 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 9 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.
Speakers have been shouted down, classes disrupted, teachers made to grovel.
6
原来，他租住的那栋建筑是一座教堂。
yuán lái， ， tā zū zhù de nà dòng jiàn zhù shì yī zuò jiào。
The building he was lodged in turned out to be a church.
7
他是韦灵伯勒万圣教堂的教区长。
tā shì wéi líng bó lè wàn shèng jiào táng de jiào qū cháng。
He was rector of All Hallows Church in Wellingborough.
8
我们在威斯敏斯特教堂看到的是一种经年不变的古旧仪式。
wǒ mén zài wēi sī mǐn sī tè jiào táng kàn dào de shì yī zhǒng jīng nián bù biàn de gǔ jiù yí shì。
What we see at Westminster is a tired old ritual.
9
我一路走来不是为了在最后关头打退堂鼓。
wǒ yī lù zǒu lái bù shì wéi le zài zuì hòu guān tóu dǎ tuì táng gǔ。
I haven't come all this way to bottle out.
10
他把我带到了一间空荡荡的、有过堂风的会见室。
tā bǎ wǒ dài dào le yī jiān kōng dàng dàng de、 、 yǒu guò táng fēng de huì jiàn。
He led me through to a bare, draughty interviewing room.
Cultural Notes for 堂
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, family ties are highly valued, and the distinction of relationships through terms like 堂 plays a significant role in social interactions and family gatherings.
Word Family of 堂
Compounds17
膛tang2chest (of body)
螳tang2praying mantis
瞠cheng1to gaze, to look, to stare
蹚tang1to trample, to wade; muddy, wet
镗tang1awl, boring tool
樘cheng3pillar, post, door frame
饄
嘡
憆
摚
漟
糛
鏜
闛
隚
鞺
鼞
Words Containing This Character20
教堂jiàotángchurch
天堂tiāntángparadise
堂táng(main) hall
课堂kètángclassroom課堂
食堂shítángdining hall
人民大会堂the Great Hall of the People in Beijing人民大會堂
大堂lobby
礼堂lǐtángassembly hall禮堂
殿堂diàntángpalace
名堂worthwhile result
堂兄older male patrilineal cousin
堂弟younger male patrilineal cousin
堂堂grand
学堂xuétángcollege學堂
饭堂dining hall飯堂
会堂meeting hall會堂
礼拜堂chapel禮拜堂
澡堂public baths
欢聚一堂to gather happily under one roof歡聚一堂
冠冕堂皇high-sounding
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 膛 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 堂
You can say '我们在堂里上课' (Wǒmen zài táng lǐ shàngkè) meaning 'We are having class in the hall.'
堂 (táng) refers to a larger, multi-purpose space, while 室 (shì) usually denotes a smaller, more specific room.
Yes, 堂 can refer to classes or lectures, not just physical halls.
