HSK 7, ns, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
坤
kūn
one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing earth
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
坤
kūn
female principle
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
坤
kūn
☷
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
坤
kūn
ancient Chinese compass point: 225° (southwest)
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 土, rank #57865, Very Hard
kūn(kun1) T1
1earth; feminine
2one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing earth
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March 24, 2026
坤kūn(kun1)
The character 坤 (kūn) represents the concept of earth and is often associated with femininity in traditional Chinese philosophy. It is one of the Eight Trigrams (八卦), symbolizing stability, receptivity, and nurturing qualities, often seen as complementary to the masculine principle represented by 乾 (qián). In this context, it conveys a sense of grounding and support.
Strokes8Radical土Frequency#57865DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese cosmology, 坤 is associated with the earth and the feminine force, embodying qualities such as fertility and growth. This connection is significant during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, where the earth's bounty is celebrated.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 坤 as a flat, wide earth surface, supporting all life above it. The horizontal line at the top represents the sky, while the solid base signifies the earth's stability. You can remember its pronunciation 'kūn' by picturing a 'tomb' (which is associated with earth) that is 'kun' (cunningly) hidden beneath the surface.
Meanings of 坤
kūn(kun1)
1earth; feminine
2one of the Eight Trigrams 八卦[ba1 gua4], symbolizing earth
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 坤
坤Simplified
8Strokes
土Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 坤
Podcast: 坤
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AI Study Notes for 坤
Quick Contrast
乾 (qián) - use 坤 (kūn) when emphasizing earthiness and femininity, whereas 乾 (qián) focuses on heaven and masculinity.
Usage Notes
While 坤 is not commonly used in everyday speech, it may appear in philosophical or poetic contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters, and remember that it conveys a sense of support and nurturing, which may not be the first interpretation for learners from more individualistic cultures.
HSK Study Tips
Although 坤 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding this character can enhance your comprehension of Chinese philosophy, especially related to yin-yang concepts. Students should focus on its symbolic meanings and how it interacts with other related characters like 乾 (qián).
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 坤 with 乾 (qián), which represents the masculine principle. A common mistake is to incorrectly use 坤 in contexts that require a more active or assertive term. For example, saying '坤' to describe a leader could be misleading, as it suggests nurturing rather than assertiveness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 坤
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Phonosemantic compound. 申 represents the meaning and 土 represents the sound. Simplified form of 堃.
1The meaning half申 carries the sense.
2The sound half土 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayearth
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 坤? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 坤?
Decomposition of 坤
IDS Structure⿰土申
坤Full Character
=
土Tu3
left
申Shen1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 坤?
How to say earth; feminine in Chinese
“earth; feminine” in Chinese is坤kūn
The character 坤 (kūn) represents the concept of earth and is often associated with femininity in traditional Chinese philosophy. It is one of the Eight Trigrams (八卦), symbolizing stability, receptivity, and nurturing qualities, often seen as complementary to the masculine principle represented by 乾 (qián). In this context, it conveys a sense of grounding and support.
When to use 坤
While 坤 is not commonly used in everyday speech, it may appear in philosophical or poetic contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters, and remember that it conveys a sense of support and nurturing, which may not be the first interpretation for learners from more individualistic cultures.
坤 or something close to it
乾 (qián) - use 坤 (kūn) when emphasizing earthiness and femininity, whereas 乾 (qián) focuses on heaven and masculinity.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 坤 with 乾 (qián), which represents the masculine principle. A common mistake is to incorrectly use 坤 in contexts that require a more active or assertive term. For example, saying '坤' to describe a leader could be misleading, as it suggests nurturing rather than assertiveness.
Write 坤
坤
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Practice writing 坤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 坤
坤 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 5 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 3
Complete the Sentence
结论: 培____胶囊有明显的滋阴补肾作用.
Conclusion: Peikun Capsule has obvious effects of nourishing yin and supplementing kidney.
