HSK 6, zg, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #6631, Hard
棍
gùn
rod
HSK 6, zg, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #6631, Hard
棍
gùn
truncheon
HSK 6, zg, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #6631, Hard
棍
gùn
stick, cudgel; scoundrel
HSK 6, zg, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #6631, Hard
gùn(gun4) T4
1stick
2rod
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
棍gùn(gun4)
The character 棍 (gùn) refers to a stick or rod, often used to describe a long, slender object typically made of wood. It can also imply a truncheon or cudgel, which is a type of heavy stick used for striking. This word can have a negative connotation when used to describe a scoundrel or someone who acts deceitfully.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#6631DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese martial arts, sticks (棍) are often used as weapons, showcasing both skill and discipline. The use of a stick in practice reflects the importance of physical training in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Think of a stick (gùn) that is so long it can be used as a walking aid, or to hit something. The radical '木' (wood) suggests its material, while the '军' (army) component can remind you of discipline, as in using a stick for order. Imagine a soldier using a wooden stick to maintain control.
Meanings of 棍
gùn(gun4)
1stick
2rod
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 棍
棍Simplified
12Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#6631Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 棍
Podcast: 棍
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 棍
Quick Contrast
棍 (gùn) vs 杆 (gān) — use 棍 for a stick or cudgel with a negative connotation, while 杆 refers to a pole or rod without such implications.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a stick (gùn) that is so long it can be used as a walking aid, or to hit something. The radical '木' (wood) suggests its material, while the '军' (army) component can remind you of discipline, as in using a stick for order. Imagine a soldier using a wooden stick to maintain control.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the pronunciation, as a mispronounced tone can change the meaning. This character is more commonly used in informal contexts when referring to physical sticks or rods. Common collocations include '棍子' (gùnzi) for 'stick' or '木棍' (mùgùn) for 'wooden stick'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 棍 (gùn) is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be connected to similar characters like 木 (mù - wood) and 杆 (gǎn - pole). Focus on the radicals and context to understand its use in everyday language.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese martial arts, sticks (棍) are often used as weapons, showcasing both skill and discipline. The use of a stick in practice reflects the importance of physical training in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 棍 (gùn) with other similar-sounding words. For example, using 棍 instead of 棒 (bàng) which means 'bat' or 'stick' used in sports. Always ensure you are using the correct context for each word.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 棍
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 棍 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 棍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 棍
棍 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
瓦莱丽在排球、篮球和曲____球三个项目上获得了佩戴校名首字母标志的荣誉。
Valerie earned letters in three sports: volleyball, basketball, and field hockey.
Example Sentences for 棍 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
瓦莱丽在排球、篮球和曲棍球三个项目上获得了佩戴校名首字母标志的荣誉。
wǎ lái lì zài pái qiú、 、 lán qiú hé qū gùn qiú sān gè xiàng mù shàng huò dé le pèi dài xiào míng shǒu zì mǔ biāo zhì de róng。
Valerie earned letters in three sports: volleyball, basketball, and field hockey.
In the front ranks, Old Chen was struck several times.
8
他朝着那只狗狠狠地打了一棍子.
tā zhāo zháo nà zhī gǒu hěn hěn dì dǎ le yī gùn zǐ.
He gave the dog a vicious blow with his stick.
9
他试着将它分成两包绑在他的拐棍上，然后把所有东西都挂在后背上。
tā shì zháo jiāng tā fēn chéng liǎng bāo bǎng zài tā de guǎi gùn shàng， ， rán hòu bǎ suǒ yǒu dōng xī dū guà zài hòu bèi。
He tried dividing it into two bundles, tying them to his walking stick, and slinging the whole affair across his back.
10
贝内迪克特用他的拐棍又往下指了指。
bèi nèi dí kè tè yòng tā de guǎi gùn yòu wǎng xià zhǐ le zhǐ。
Benedict pointed downwards again with his stick.
Cultural Notes for 棍
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese martial arts, sticks (棍) are often used as weapons, showcasing both skill and discipline. The use of a stick in practice reflects the importance of physical training in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 棍
Words Containing This Character18
光棍gangster
棍gùnstick
棍子gùnzistick
曲棍球field hockey
恶棍scoundrel惡棍
冰棍popsicle
光棍儿single person光棍兒
木棍wooden stick
警棍police truncheon
棍棒gùnbàngclub
撬棍crowbar
赌棍hardened gambler賭棍
拐棍cane
冰棍儿bīnggùnrice lolly冰棍兒
拨火棍poker撥火棍
打光棍to live as bachelor
打棍子to bludgeon
淫棍lecher
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 光棍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 棍
You can say '他用棍子打球' (He uses a stick to hit the ball) or '他是个棍子' (He is a scoundrel).
棍 is generally used in informal contexts; for formal writing, you might choose a more specific term like '武器' (weapon) depending on the context.
棍子 (gùnzi) simply means 'stick' or 'rod' and is a common way to refer to a stick in everyday conversation.
