Meanings of 宮
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About 宮
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Podcast: 宮
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AI Study Notes for 宮
宫 (gōng) vs 宫殿 (gōngdiàn) — use 宫 for general references to a palace, while 宫殿 specifically denotes a grand palace.
This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing historical or cultural sites. A common mistake is confusing it with other similar-sounding words; be mindful of its specific meaning related to palatial settings. It often appears in compound words such as 宮殿 (gōngdiàn) meaning 'palace.'
While 宮 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other characters like 王 (wáng, king) and 城 (chéng, city), which are also related to historical and royal themes. Focus on recognizing 宮 in compound forms to strengthen your vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 宮 with 館 (guǎn, building) due to similar contexts. For example, saying 宮館 (gōngguǎn) instead of 宮殿 (gōngdiàn) is incorrect; remember that 宮 specifically refers to a palace.
Pronunciation of 宮
Drill the tone of 宮 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 宮
Simplified form of 宮. Pictograph of a building with two floors.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 宮
Simplified form of 宮. Pictograph of a building with two floors.
- 1The meaning half宀 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half呂 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayroof
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 宮? 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
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Decomposition of 宮
Identify the Components
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How to say palace; surname in Chinese
“palace; surname” in Chinese is宮
The character 宮 (gōng) primarily means 'palace,' referring to a grand residence often associated with royalty or government. It can also be a surname in Chinese culture, which signifies lineage. This character is commonly used in contexts related to architecture and historical sites.
When to use 宮
This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing historical or cultural sites. A common mistake is confusing it with other similar-sounding words; be mindful of its specific meaning related to palatial settings. It often appears in compound words such as 宮殿 (gōngdiàn) meaning 'palace.'
宮 or something close to it
宫 (gōng) vs 宫殿 (gōngdiàn) — use 宫 for general references to a palace, while 宫殿 specifically denotes a grand palace.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 宮 with 館 (guǎn, building) due to similar contexts. For example, saying 宮館 (gōngguǎn) instead of 宮殿 (gōngdiàn) is incorrect; remember that 宮 specifically refers to a palace.
Write 宮
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Practice writing 宮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 宮
Compound Meaning
What does 宫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 宮
Common phrases include 宮殿 (gōngdiàn, palace) and 宮廷 (gōngtíng, imperial court).
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