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March 24, 2026
公然gōngrán(gong1ran2)
The term '公然' (gōngrán) means openly or publicly, referring to actions or statements made without concealment or disguise. It is often used in contexts where something is done in a transparent manner, and it can carry a connotation of boldness or audacity, especially when referring to controversial matters.
Frequency#12225DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, actions described as '公然' often reflect societal values about transparency and integrity. For instance, public demonstrations or protests are sometimes labeled as '公然' to emphasize the boldness of the participants in expressing their views.
Memory Tip
Imagine a public park where people are openly discussing their secrets. The character '公' (gōng) looks like a 'public' place, while '然' (rán) can remind you of a 'run' of events happening openly. Together, they depict a scenario where things are laid bare for everyone to see.
Meanings of 公然
gōngrán(gong1ran2)
1openly
2publicly
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 公然
公然Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#12225Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 公然
Podcast: 公然
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AI Study Notes for 公然
Quick Contrast
公开 (gōngkāi) vs 公然 (gōngrán): use 公开 for general openness or disclosure, while 公然 emphasizes boldness or audacity in public actions.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a public park where people are openly discussing their secrets. The character '公' (gōng) looks like a 'public' place, while '然' (rán) can remind you of a 'run' of events happening openly. Together, they depict a scenario where things are laid bare for everyone to see.
Usage Notes
It's important to use '公然' in contexts that involve a clear and unapologetic display of actions or opinions. Common mistakes include confusing it with '公开' (gōngkāi), which also means 'open' but is generally more formal and less about the audacity of the action. Be mindful of the tone; '公然' can sometimes imply criticism.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 term, '公然' connects to other advanced vocabulary related to social issues and public discourse. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in literature, news articles, and discussions about social norms, as it often appears in those contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, actions described as '公然' often reflect societal values about transparency and integrity. For instance, public demonstrations or protests are sometimes labeled as '公然' to emphasize the boldness of the participants in expressing their views.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '公然' with '公开', thinking they can be used interchangeably. For example, saying '他公然拒绝了邀请' is correct, but using '他公开拒绝了邀请' might change the nuance to a more formal rejection. Ensure you understand the context of boldness when using '公然'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 公然
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Grammar Patterns of 公然
公然 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 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
该行为____违背了《维也纳公约》。
The action is an open violation of the Vienna Convention.
Example Sentences for 公然 (8)
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1
该行为公然违背了《维也纳公约》。
gāi háng wéi gōng rán wéi bèi le《 《 wéi yě nà gōng》。
The action is an open violation of the Vienna Convention.
Roderigo defied the old gentleman and refused to stir.
Cultural Notes for 公然
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, actions described as '公然' often reflect societal values about transparency and integrity. For instance, public demonstrations or protests are sometimes labeled as '公然' to emphasize the boldness of the participants in expressing their views.
Frequently Asked Questions about 公然
Not necessarily, but it often carries a negative connotation when referring to inappropriate or audacious behavior.
Yes, it is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in journalism and literature.
Yes, synonyms include '公开' (gōngkāi) and '坦率' (tǎnshuài), but they have different nuances.
