Meanings of 龛
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About 龛
Podcast: 龛
Podcast: 龛
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AI Study Notes for 龛
This character is generally used in more formal or literary contexts, often related to religion or architecture. A common mistake is confusing it with similar characters, so pay attention to the radicals used. It's often paired with words like '佛' (Buddha) for '佛龛' (Buddha niche).
While 龛 is not in HSK levels, understanding its components can help with memorizing other characters that involve religious or spiritual themes. Focus on recognizing the character's structure to assist with learning related vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 龛 with 竅 (qiào), which means 'hole' or 'opening.' Remember that 龛 specifically relates to niches or shrines, while 竅 does not carry the same spiritual connotation.
Pronunciation of 龛
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Etymology of 龛
Phonosemantic compound. 龙 represents the meaning and 合 represents the sound. Simplified form of 龕.
dragon
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 龛
Phonosemantic compound. 龙 represents the meaning and 合 represents the sound. Simplified form of 龕.
- 1The meaning half龙 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half合 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaydragon
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 龛? 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 龛
Identify the Components
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How to say niche, shrine in Chinese
“niche, shrine” in Chinese is龛
The character 龛 (kān) refers to a niche or shrine, typically used in the context of a space designed for religious or spiritual purposes. It often denotes a small alcove where idols or sacred items are placed, reflecting its importance in both personal and communal worship settings.
When to use 龛
This character is generally used in more formal or literary contexts, often related to religion or architecture. A common mistake is confusing it with similar characters, so pay attention to the radicals used. It's often paired with words like '佛' (Buddha) for '佛龛' (Buddha niche).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 龛 with 竅 (qiào), which means 'hole' or 'opening.' Remember that 龛 specifically relates to niches or shrines, while 竅 does not carry the same spiritual connotation.
Write 龛
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Practice writing 龛 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 龛
龛 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.
Complete the Sentence
那些壁____用金色的星星作装饰，边缘则用漆绘着小一些的星星。
The recesses are decorated with gold stars, with smaller stars painted along the edges.
Example Sentences for 龛 (1)
Word Family of 龛
Compound Meaning
What does 神龛 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 龛
The pinyin for 龛 is 'kān', with a flat and even tone.
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