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March 24, 2026
港口gǎngkǒu(gang3kou3)
港口 (gǎngkǒu) refers to a port or harbor, a place where ships dock to load and unload cargo and passengers. It is commonly used in contexts related to transportation, trade, and maritime activities.
Frequency#5789DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Ports have historically been vital to China's trade, especially during the Maritime Silk Road era, connecting China with the rest of the world. Major cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou are known for their significant ports that facilitate global commerce.
Memory Tip
Think of '港' (gǎng) as a 'gang' of ships coming together at a '口' (kǒu) or mouth of the water. Visualize a bustling harbor where many ships are gathered, creating a 'gang' at the 'port' where they exchange goods.
Meanings of 港口
gǎngkǒu(gang3kou3)
1port
2harbor
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About 港口
港口Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5789Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 港口
Podcast: 港口
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AI Study Notes for 港口
Quick Contrast
码头 (mǎtóu) - use 港口 when referring to a port in a broader sense, while 码头 is more specific to a dock or wharf.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '港' (gǎng) as a 'gang' of ships coming together at a '口' (kǒu) or mouth of the water. Visualize a bustling harbor where many ships are gathered, creating a 'gang' at the 'port' where they exchange goods.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 港口 with other transportation-related words like 机场 (jīchǎng) for airport. This term is neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include '海港' (hǎigǎng - seaport) and '货运港口' (huòyùn gǎngkǒu - freight port).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 港口 connects with other vocabulary related to transportation and trade, such as 船 (chuán - ship) and 交通 (jiāotōng - transportation). Focus on understanding its use in context, especially in reading about trade and logistics.
Cultural Note
Ports have historically been vital to China's trade, especially during the Maritime Silk Road era, connecting China with the rest of the world. Major cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou are known for their significant ports that facilitate global commerce.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 港口 by confusing the tones, saying 'gángkǒu' instead of 'gǎngkǒu'. Additionally, some might incorrectly use it to refer to any transportation hub, which it is not.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 港口
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Grammar Patterns of 港口
港口 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). It carries 2 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.
The ship was permitted to tie up in Bos-ton harbour.
10
5辆救护车在港口待命。
5 5 liàng jiù hù chē zài gǎng kǒu dài。
Five ambulances are on standby at the port.
Cultural Notes for 港口
🏮Cultural insight
Ports have historically been vital to China's trade, especially during the Maritime Silk Road era, connecting China with the rest of the world. Major cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou are known for their significant ports that facilitate global commerce.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While both Chinese and Western cultures recognize the importance of ports, in China, they have often been central to economic reforms and globalization efforts, while in the West, they are more associated with military and historical significance.
Frequently Asked Questions about 港口
港口 (gǎngkǒu) refers to a larger port or harbor, while 码头 (mǎtóu) typically refers to a specific dock or wharf within that port.
No, 港口 specifically refers to maritime ports, while airports are referred to as 机场 (jīchǎng).
