Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
誙 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
誙kēngdefinitely, sure!x, 14 strokes, radical 言
誙kēng(arch.) definitelyunknown, 14 strokes, radical 言
kēng(keng1) T1
  1. 1definitely, sure!
  2. 2(arch.) definitely
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

誙kēng(keng1)

The character 誙 (kēng) is an archaic term used to express certainty or affirmation, similar to saying 'definitely' or 'sure!' in English. It is not commonly used in modern Mandarin but may appear in classical texts or poetic contexts, where it adds a layer of emphasis to statements of assurance.

Strokes14Radical言
Cultural Note

In classical Chinese literature, expressions of certainty like 誙 reflect the importance of confidence and assurance in communication, often found in poetry and philosophical texts emphasizing truth and conviction.

Memory Tip

Imagine a confident kangaroo (kēng) that knows it will definitely bounce to the other side. The character combines the radical for speech (言) with the sound component, evoking the idea of spoken assurance.

Meanings of 誙

kēng(keng1)
1definitely, sure!
2(arch.) definitely
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 誙 means.

About 誙

誙Simplified
14Strokes
言Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 誙

JasonAmy

Podcast: 誙

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 誙

Usage Notes

While 誙 is not frequently used in contemporary conversation, it can be found in literary works. Be cautious not to confuse it with more commonly used terms for certainty, such as '一定' (yídìng). Keep in mind that this word has a formal or literary register.

HSK Study Tips

Although 誙 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding it can enhance your appreciation of classical texts. Students should focus on the context in which such archaic terms appear, often alongside more familiar vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners might mistakenly use 誙 in casual conversations, thinking it conveys certainty in a modern context. Instead, they should opt for more contemporary terms like '一定' (yídìng) or '当然' (dāngrán).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 誙

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 誙 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 誙 to You

Let me explain 誙 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 誙 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Etymology of 誙

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

speech

Semantic (meaning)言
+
Phonetic (sound)巠
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

誙 = 言 + 巠. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 誙

IDS Structure⿰言巠
誙Full Character
=
言yan2
left
巠jing1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 誙?

How to say definitely, sure! in Chinese

“definitely, sure!” in Chinese is誙kēng

The character 誙 (kēng) is an archaic term used to express certainty or affirmation, similar to saying 'definitely' or 'sure!' in English. It is not commonly used in modern Mandarin but may appear in classical texts or poetic contexts, where it adds a layer of emphasis to statements of assurance.

When to use 誙

While 誙 is not frequently used in contemporary conversation, it can be found in literary works. Be cautious not to confuse it with more commonly used terms for certainty, such as '一定' (yídìng). Keep in mind that this word has a formal or literary register.

What learners get wrong

Learners might mistakenly use 誙 in casual conversations, thinking it conveys certainty in a modern context. Instead, they should opt for more contemporary terms like '一定' (yídìng) or '当然' (dāngrán).

Write 誙

誙

Practice writing 誙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 誙?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Word Family of 誙

Words Containing This Character1
誙kēngsure!

Frequently Asked Questions about 誙

No, 誙 is an archaic term and is rarely used in modern spoken Mandarin.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 誙?

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.