Meanings of 工
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About 工
Podcast: 工
Podcast: 工
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AI Study Notes for 工
工 (gōng) vs 劳 (láo) — use 工 when referring specifically to skilled work or craftsmanship, while 劳 emphasizes the act of labor or toil.
Imagine 工 as a worker holding a tool, ready to build or craft something. The shape resembles a simple workbench, reminding you that '工' is all about labor and craftsmanship. The pronunciation 'gōng' sounds like 'gong,' which is rung once the work is done, signaling completion.
When using 工, be mindful that it is often paired with other characters to form compound words such as 工人 (gōngrén, worker) or 工艺 (gōngyì, craftsmanship). A common mistake is to confuse it with 劳 (láo), which also means labor but carries a different nuance. Remember to use the correct tone, as 'gōng' is high and level, distinct from other similar-sounding words.
While 工 is not explicitly listed in the HSK vocabulary, it is foundational for understanding many compound characters at HSK levels 1 and 2. Focus on its use in context and how it combines with other characters to describe professions and skills, enhancing vocabulary retention.
In Chinese culture, the concept of skilled labor is highly respected, and many traditional crafts are passed down through generations. 工 represents not just physical work but also the artistry and dedication that goes into mastering a trade.
Learners often confuse 工 with the character 劳, mistakenly using 劳 in contexts that refer to skilled work, such as saying 劳人 instead of 工人. Remember that 劳 emphasizes the toil aspect, while 工 highlights skill and craftsmanship.
Pronunciation of 工
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Etymology of 工
Pictograph of a carpenter's tool.
A spade or other workman's tool
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 工?
Decomposition of 工
Identify the Components
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Write 工
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Practice writing 工 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 工
工 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 8 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
爸爸____作。
Dad works.
Example Sentences for 工 (10)
Cultural Notes for 工
In Chinese culture, the concept of skilled labor is highly respected, and many traditional crafts are passed down through generations. 工 represents not just physical work but also the artistry and dedication that goes into mastering a trade.
Word Family of 工
Compound Meaning
What does 经 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 工
Common words include 工人 (gōngrén, worker), 工厂 (gōngchǎng, factory), and 工艺 (gōngyì, craftsmanship).