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窟窿 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
窟窿kūlongholeHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, rank #23363, Very Hard
窟窿kūlongpocketHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, rank #23363, Very Hard
窟窿kūlongcavityHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, rank #23363, Very Hard
窟窿kūlongloopholeHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, rank #23363, Very Hard
窟窿kūlongdebtHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, rank #23363, Very Hard
kūlong(ku1long5)ku long T1
  1. 1hole
  2. 2pocket
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March 24, 2026

窟窿kūlong(ku1long5)

The word 窟窿 (ku1 long5) refers to a hole or cavity in a physical sense, often used to describe gaps or pockets in objects. It also has metaphorical uses, such as referring to a loophole in regulations or a financial debt, indicating a lack or deficiency in something.

Strokes29Frequency#23363DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of a 'loophole' is often discussed in the context of legal and financial matters, reflecting the importance of navigating regulations and debts in society.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'cave' (窟) that has a 'hole' (窿) in it. Picture a big pocket (like a cave pocket) where you might find something lost. This connection helps you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation ku1 long5, as you can visualize a cave with a hole.

Meanings of 窟窿

kūlong(ku1long5)
1hole
2pocket
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 窟窿

窟窿Simplified
29Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 窟窿

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AI study notes for 窟窿

Quick Contrast

洞 (dòng) — use 窟窿 when emphasizing a flaw or deficiency, while 洞 is more neutral, referring simply to any hole.

Usage Notes

When using 窟窿, be aware of the context, as it can refer to both physical and abstract concepts. Common collocations include 'financial 窟窿' for debt and '大窟窿' for a big hole. Avoid mixing it up with other similar-sounding words that have different meanings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 窟窿 is not an HSK word, it can be useful to connect it with other HSK vocabulary related to space or financial terms. Focus on the context in which you encounter this word to aid your understanding of its diverse meanings.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 窟窿 with similar words like 洞 (dòng) which strictly means 'hole.' For example, saying '我的钱有一个窟窿' (Wǒ de qián yǒu yīgè kūlóng) incorrectly implies money has a physical hole, while it should refer to financial debt instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 窟窿

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Component characters

窟kūhole, cave; cellar; underground
13 strokes穴
View full entry
窿lóngmine shaft; cavity, hole
16 strokes穴
View full entry

How to say hole in Chinese

“hole” in Chinese is窟窿kūlong

The word 窟窿 (ku1 long5) refers to a hole or cavity in a physical sense, often used to describe gaps or pockets in objects. It also has metaphorical uses, such as referring to a loophole in regulations or a financial debt, indicating a lack or deficiency in something.

When to use 窟窿

When using 窟窿, be aware of the context, as it can refer to both physical and abstract concepts. Common collocations include 'financial 窟窿' for debt and '大窟窿' for a big hole. Avoid mixing it up with other similar-sounding words that have different meanings.

窟窿 or something close to it

洞 (dòng) — use 窟窿 when emphasizing a flaw or deficiency, while 洞 is more neutral, referring simply to any hole.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 窟窿 with similar words like 洞 (dòng) which strictly means 'hole.' For example, saying '我的钱有一个窟窿' (Wǒ de qián yǒu yīgè kūlóng) incorrectly implies money has a physical hole, while it should refer to financial debt instead.

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窟
窿

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Cultural Notes for 窟窿

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The notion of a 'loophole' in laws or regulations is similarly recognized in Western cultures, but the implications and societal attitudes towards exploiting such loopholes may differ.

Frequently asked questions about 窟窿

Some synonyms include 洞 (dòng) for hole and 缺口 (quē kǒu) for gap.

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