Meanings of 干
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About 干
Podcast: 干
Podcast: 干
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AI Study Notes for 干
干 (gàn) vs 做 (zuò) — use 干 for informal contexts or when referring to managing tasks, while 做 is more formal and general for 'to do'.
Imagine a person trying to '干' (gān) their laundry on a dry day. The character looks like a person with arms outstretched, as if they are about to take action. The association of 'dry' can be remembered by picturing them hanging clothes out to dry, which emphasizes both the action and the state of being dry.
Common mistakes include confusing 干 with 乾 (gān), which has similar pronunciations but different meanings. When using 干 in informal contexts, be cautious of its vulgar meanings; ensure the audience is appropriate for such language. Additionally, it frequently collocates with verbs like '做' (zuò, to do) and '事' (shì, matter), so practice these combinations.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 干 connects with other verbs about actions and tasks, such as 做 (zuò) and 行 (xíng). Students should focus on the different contexts in which 干 can be used and practice with phrases that combine it with other words to build fluency.
In Chinese culture, the concept of hard work and capability is highly valued, and the usage of 干 in phrases related to doing or managing tasks reflects this cultural emphasis on diligence and responsibility. The character is often used in business and professional settings.
Learners often confuse 干 with its homophone 乾 (gān), which means 'dry' in a different context. For example, saying '我干衣服' (Wǒ gān yīfú) instead of '我在干衣服' (Wǒ zài gān yīfú) can lead to miscommunication, as it omits the necessary verb construction.
Pronunciation of 干
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Etymology of 干
Pictograph of a shild. In simplified Chinese 干 is also used to mean "dry", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 乾. In simplified Chinese 干 is also used to mean "tree trunk; do", while in traditional Chinese
A club or axe
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 干?
Decomposition of 干
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Write 干
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Practice writing 干 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 干
干 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 21 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.
Complete the Sentence
这个房间很____净。
This room is very clean.
Common Confusions with 干
Similar pronunciation, but refers to a physical object.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "dry"?
Example Sentences for 干 (10)
Cultural Notes for 干
'干' is a versatile character in Chinese, used in various contexts. Its old variant '乾' also means 'dry' and is often associated with elements in Chinese philosophy.
In Chinese culture, the concept of hard work and capability is highly valued, and the usage of 干 in phrases related to doing or managing tasks reflects this cultural emphasis on diligence and responsibility. The character is often used in business and professional settings.
Word Family of 干
Compound Meaning
What does 平 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 干
干 (gān) and 乾 (gān) are old variants of each other, but they are used in different contexts. 干 is commonly used for meanings related to cleaning, fostering, or the act of drying, while 乾 is often associated with the concept of 'dry' or 'heaven' in philosophical contexts. It's important to use the correct character based on the meaning you intend to convey.