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骨干 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
骨干gǔgàndiaphysis (long segment of a bone)HSK 7, n, rank #32354, Very Hard
骨干gǔgànfig. backboneHSK 7, n, rank #32354, Very Hard
gǔgàn(gu3gan4) T3
  1. 1diaphysis (long segment of a bone)
  2. 2fig. backbone
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March 24, 2026
骨干(骨幹)gǔgàn(gu3gan4)

The term 骨干 (gǔgàn) literally refers to the diaphysis, the long segment of a bone, but it is also used metaphorically to denote the backbone or the essential part of a group or organization. In this context, it signifies the core members or the main structure that supports the rest.

Frequency#32354DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 骨干 is often linked to the importance of leadership and structure within both familial and organizational settings, highlighting the value placed on strong foundational roles.

Memory Tip

Think of 骨 (gǔ) as 'bone' and 干 (gàn) as 'stem' or 'backbone.' Imagine a strong tree where the stem holds up all the branches, just like the 骨干 holds up a group. The shape of 骨 resembles a bone, and 干 can remind you of a sturdy pole.

Meanings of 骨干

gǔgàn(gu3gan4)
1diaphysis (long segment of a bone)
2fig. backbone
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 骨干

骨干Simplified
骨幹Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#32354Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 骨干

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Podcast: 骨干

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AI Study Notes for 骨干

Quick Contrast

中坚 (zhōngjiān) — use 骨干 for the literal or structural backbone, while 中坚 emphasizes the core or central role in a group.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 骨 (gǔ) as 'bone' and 干 (gàn) as 'stem' or 'backbone.' Imagine a strong tree where the stem holds up all the branches, just like the 骨干 holds up a group. The shape of 骨 resembles a bone, and 干 can remind you of a sturdy pole.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about organizational structure or leadership. A common mistake is to confuse 骨干 with similar terms like 成员 (chéngyuán), which means 'member'—the former emphasizes centrality and importance. Ensure you use the correct tone when pronouncing it, as mispronouncing 干 can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 骨干 connects well with other advanced terms related to structure and organization. Students should focus on its metaphorical use in societal and organizational contexts, as well as practice its pronunciation and tones to avoid common errors.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 骨干 is often linked to the importance of leadership and structure within both familial and organizational settings, highlighting the value placed on strong foundational roles.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 骨干 with 领导 (lǐngdǎo), which means 'leadership.' For example, saying '他是这个项目的骨干' (Tā shì zhège xiàngmù de gǔgàn) is correct, whereas '他是这个项目的领导' may not reflect the same meaning unless he is in a leadership role.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 骨干

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Component Characters

bone
HSK 79 strokes
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gàndry
HSK 33 strokes
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Write 骨干

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Grammar Patterns of 骨干

骨干 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

李老师教了三十年书。她的学生遍布全国各地。他们中很多人都成了各行各业的____。

Teacher Li has taught for thirty years. Her students are spread across the country. Many of them have become key professionals in various fields.

Example Sentences for 骨干 (4)

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1
留下了20名骨干人员。

liú xià le20 20 míng gǔ gān rén。

A skeleton staff of 20 is being kept on.
2
一群骨干右翼参议员曾企图左右自己的同僚。

yī qún gǔ gān yòu yì cān yì yuán zēng qǐ tú zuǒ yòu zì jǐ de tóng liáo。

A hard-core group of right-wing senators had hoped to sway their colleagues.
3
常常有这样的情况,即用来培养骨干枝的分枝数量不够.

cháng cháng yǒu zhè yàng de qíng kuàng, , jí yòng lái péi yǎng gǔ gān zhī de fēn zhī shù liáng bù.

Frequently insufficient feathers are available for the development of the framework branches.
4
由大约6名职员组成的骨干队伍将继续该项目。

yóu dà yuē6 6 míng zhí yuán zǔ chéng de gǔ gān duì wǔ jiāng jì xù gāi xiàng。

A core of about six staff would continue with the project.

Cultural Notes for 骨干

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of 骨干 is often linked to the importance of leadership and structure within both familial and organizational settings, highlighting the value placed on strong foundational roles.

Frequently Asked Questions about 骨干

No, while it can refer to the diaphysis in a medical sense, it is more commonly used metaphorically in discussions about leadership or core members of a team.