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窿 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
窿lóngmine shaft; cavity, holen, 16 strokes, radical 穴, rank #43657, Very Hard
lóng(long2) T2
  1. 1mine shaft; cavity, hole
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March 24, 2026

窿lóng(long2)

The character 窿 (lóng) refers to a cavity or hole, particularly in the context of a mine shaft. It can also denote any hollow space within a solid object, making it applicable in various contexts related to excavation or natural formations.

Strokes16Radical穴Frequency#43657DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, mining holds historical significance, especially in regions rich in minerals. The concept of a mine shaft, represented by 窿, is tied to both economic development and the labor history of various communities.

Memory Tip

Imagine a deep, dark mine shaft that echoes with the sounds of miners at work. The shape of 窿 resembles a cave entrance, with its roof slightly arched, suggesting depth and hollowness, which can help you remember that it means 'cavity' or 'hole'.

Meanings of 窿

lóng(long2)
1mine shaft; cavity, hole
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 窿

窿Simplified
16Strokes
穴Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 窿

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Podcast: 窿

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AI Study Notes for 窿

Usage Notes

This word is more formal and is often used in contexts related to geology or mining. Common collocations include 矿窿 (mining shaft) and 空窿 (hollow space). Be careful with pronunciation, as misplacing the tone can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While 窿 is not included in HSK vocabulary, it connects to Level 4 words like 洞 (dòng, hole) and 矿 (kuàng, mine). Focus on understanding its usage in specialized contexts to enhance vocabulary related to earth sciences.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 窿 (lóng) with 洞 (dòng), both meaning 'hole'. For example, saying 窿 to describe a simple hole in the ground would be incorrect; use 洞 instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 窿

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Etymology of 窿

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

hole

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

Origin

窿 = 穴 + 隆. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 窿

IDS Structure⿱穴隆
窿Full Character
=
穴xue2
top
隆long1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 窿?

How to say mine shaft; cavity, hole in Chinese

“mine shaft; cavity, hole” in Chinese is窿lóng

The character 窿 (lóng) refers to a cavity or hole, particularly in the context of a mine shaft. It can also denote any hollow space within a solid object, making it applicable in various contexts related to excavation or natural formations.

When to use 窿

This word is more formal and is often used in contexts related to geology or mining. Common collocations include 矿窿 (mining shaft) and 空窿 (hollow space). Be careful with pronunciation, as misplacing the tone can change the meaning.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 窿 (lóng) with 洞 (dòng), both meaning 'hole'. For example, saying 窿 to describe a simple hole in the ground would be incorrect; use 洞 instead.

Write 窿

窿

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

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Grammar Patterns of 窿

窿 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

最后我把这件旧外套的肘部磨出了窟____.

I've worn through the elbow of this old coat at last.

Example Sentences for 窿 (1)

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1
最后我把这件旧外套的肘部磨出了窟窿.

zuì hòu wǒ bǎ zhè jiàn jiù wài tào de zhǒu bù mó chū le kū lóng.

I've worn through the elbow of this old coat at last.

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Word Family of 窿

Words Containing This Character3
窟窿kūlonghole
窿lóngcavity
窟窿眼small hole
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 窿

What does 窟窿 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 窿

Synonyms include 洞 (dòng) for hole and 空间 (kōngjiān) for space.

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