Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
控kòng(kong4)
The character 控 (kòng) primarily means 'to control,' but it also has legal connotations such as 'to accuse' or 'to sue.' It is commonly used in contexts involving authority or regulation, as well as in colloquial terms to denote a strong interest or enthusiasm towards a specific subject or hobby.
Strokes11Radical扌Frequency#1749DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of control is often tied to social hierarchy and authority. The use of 控 in legal terms reflects the structured nature of Chinese legal practices, where accusations must follow formal protocols.
Memory Tip
Imagine a control tower overseeing an airport. The tower (控) symbolizes control (kòng) over the flights, just as this character represents the act of managing or dominating something. Visualize the tower inverting its shape to spill out all the restrictions it imposes, linking to its meaning of 'to empty' or 'to sue.'
Meanings of 控
kòng(kong4)
1to control
2to accuse
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 控
控Simplified
11Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1749Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 控
Podcast: 控
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 控
Quick Contrast
控 (kòng) vs 管 (guǎn) — use 控 when emphasizing control or authority, while 管 focuses on management or administration.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a control tower overseeing an airport. The tower (控) symbolizes control (kòng) over the flights, just as this character represents the act of managing or dominating something. Visualize the tower inverting its shape to spill out all the restrictions it imposes, linking to its meaning of 'to empty' or 'to sue.'
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 控 with similar-sounding characters, so pay attention to context. It is used in both formal and informal settings, but caution is needed when using it in legal contexts to ensure clarity. Common collocations include 控制 (kòngzhì - to control) and 控告 (kònggào - to accuse).
HSK Study Tips
Although 控 is not currently at an official HSK level, it relates closely to other verbs of action, such as 管 (guǎn - to manage) and 使 (shǐ - to make). Students should focus on understanding the nuances of control and accusation in different contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of control is often tied to social hierarchy and authority. The use of 控 in legal terms reflects the structured nature of Chinese legal practices, where accusations must follow formal protocols.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 控 incorrectly by assuming it only means 'to accuse' without recognizing its broader meanings. For example, saying '我控他' (I control him) can be misleading; it should be used in context with proper nouns or subjects.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 控
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 控 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 控 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 控
控 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
用这种方法____制你的狗不起作用。
This is an ineffective method of controlling your dog.
Common Confusions with 控
控vs孔
kǒng
Similar shape but different meaning.
控vs空
kōng
Similar pronunciation and shape, but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to control"?
or
Usage Notes for 控
Misuse of 控 in legal contextsCommon Error
Learners often confuse 控 when referring to legal actions. It specifically refers to 'to accuse' or 'to sue', and should not be used interchangeably with other terms for legal actions.
He balanced his budgets by rigid control over public expenditure.
10
他将因毒品交易的指控受到军法审判。
tā jiāng yīn dú pǐn jiāo yì de zhǐ kòng shòu dào jūn fǎ shěn pàn。
He is due to face a court-martial on drugs charges.
Cultural Notes for 控
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of control is often tied to social hierarchy and authority. The use of 控 in legal terms reflects the structured nature of Chinese legal practices, where accusations must follow formal protocols.
Word Family of 控
Words Containing This Character20
控制kòngzhìcontrol
控kòngto control
指控accusation
监控jiānkòngto monitor監控
控股to own a controlling number of shares in a company
调控tiáokòngto regulate調控
失控shīkòngto go out of control
宏观调控macro-control宏觀調控
控告kònggàoto accuse
遥控yáokòngremote control遙控
控诉to accuse控訴
遥控器remote control遙控器
掌控to control
控制室control room
控制权controlling right控制權
自控automated
控制台control desk控制臺
测控measurement and control測控
自动控制automatic control自動控制
程控programmed
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 控制 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 控
控 (kòng) can mean 'to control' when referring to managing something, 'to accuse' when discussing legal matters, or 'to charge' in a formal complaint. It can also imply the act of suing someone. In slang usage, it serves as a suffix to describe someone who is a fan or enthusiast of something.
Yes, 控 (kòng) is commonly used in legal contexts in Chinese. It can mean to accuse someone of a crime or to bring a lawsuit against them. For example, '控告' (kònggào) means 'to accuse' or 'to file a lawsuit.'
控 (kòng) has several meanings in Chinese, including 'to control,' 'to accuse,' and 'to charge.' It can also refer to the act of suing someone in a legal context. Additionally, in slang, it can be used as a suffix meaning 'buff' or 'fan.'
控 (kòng) can be used in various contexts. For example, you can say '他控诉她' (tā kòngsù tā) which means 'He accused her.' You can also use it to express control, as in '我控制这个情况' (wǒ kòngzhì zhège qíngkuàng), meaning 'I control this situation.'
In legal contexts, 控 means 'to accuse' or 'to sue,' indicating a formal action taken against someone.
Yes, 控 can be used informally to describe someone who is very passionate about a hobby, like a 'game 控' for gaming enthusiasts.
控 specifically implies a sense of control or authority, whereas characters like 管 (guǎn) focus more on managing or overseeing.
