Meanings of 穹
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 穹
Podcast: 穹
Podcast: 穹
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 穹
穹 (qióng) vs 天 (tiān) — use 穹 for architectural or literary contexts emphasizing vastness, while 天 is more common for everyday references to the sky.
Learners often confuse 穹 with similar characters related to height or space, such as 高 (gāo). It is primarily used in formal texts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include '穹顶' (qióngdǐng), meaning 'dome'.
While 穹 is not part of the official HSK levels, it connects to themes of space and architecture found in HSK vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding its use in literary contexts and how it complements other terms describing height and vastness.
Learners might confuse 穹 with other characters like 圆 (yuán), which means 'round' or 'circle', leading to incorrect phrases like '圆顶' (yuán dǐng, circular dome) instead of '穹顶' (qióngdǐng, vaulted dome). Always ensure the context fits the grandeur implied by 穹.
Pronunciation of 穹
Drill the tone of 穹 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 穹
Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 弓 represents the sound.
An arched 弓 vault 穴; 弓 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 穹
Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 弓 represents the sound.
- 1The giveawayAn arched 弓 vault 穴; 弓 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 穹? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 穹?
Decomposition of 穹
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 穹?
How to say vast, lofty, high; vault, dome, arch in Chinese
“vast, lofty, high; vault, dome, arch” in Chinese is穹
The character 穹 (qióng) refers to a vast or lofty space, often used to describe a dome or arch, particularly in architectural contexts. It can also denote the sky, emphasizing its expansive and high qualities. This term is typically used in formal or literary contexts when discussing grand structures or celestial themes.
When to use 穹
Learners often confuse 穹 with similar characters related to height or space, such as 高 (gāo). It is primarily used in formal texts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include '穹顶' (qióngdǐng), meaning 'dome'.
穹 or something close to it
穹 (qióng) vs 天 (tiān) — use 穹 for architectural or literary contexts emphasizing vastness, while 天 is more common for everyday references to the sky.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 穹 with other characters like 圆 (yuán), which means 'round' or 'circle', leading to incorrect phrases like '圆顶' (yuán dǐng, circular dome) instead of '穹顶' (qióngdǐng, vaulted dome). Always ensure the context fits the grandeur implied by 穹.
Write 穹
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 穹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 穹
穹 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 2 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.
Complete the Sentence
建筑工人在8根细柱上架起轻巧的混凝土____顶。
The builders have perched a light concrete dome on eight slender columns.
Example Sentences for 穹 (5)
Word Family of 穹
Compound Meaning
What does 穹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 穹
天 (tiān) simply means 'sky' and is more commonly used in everyday language, while 穹 (qióng) conveys a more formal or poetic sense of a vast dome or arch.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 穹?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.