gāng

jar

HSK 7

Words with this Character

Meaning and Usage

The word "" (gāng) refers to a large jar or earthenware container commonly used for storing water, food, or even for keeping fish. It is a tangible noun often seen in rural or traditional settings.

Common Contexts

You will often encounter "" in contexts related to household storage, gardening, or aquaculture. For example, a "" (water jar) is used to store water, and a "" (fish jar) is used to keep fish.

Collocations and Patterns

  • (dà gāng): big jar, emphasizing size
  • (shuǐ gāng): water jar, used for storing water
  • (yú gāng): fish jar, an aquarium-like container

Usage Notes

"" is a concrete noun and does not have metaphorical or grammatical uses. It is important not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like "" (gāng, steel). When speaking, the context usually makes clear that "" refers to a container.

Common Confusion

Learners sometimes confuse "" with "" (guàn), which also means jar or canister but often refers to smaller or metal containers. "" usually implies a larger, ceramic or earthenware vessel.

Example Sentences

院子里放着一个大缸,用来储水。

Yuànzi lǐ fàng zhe yí gè dà gāng, yòng lái chǔ shuǐ.

There is a big jar in the yard used for storing water.

他家的缸里养着几条金鱼。

Tā jiā de gāng lǐ yǎng zhe jǐ tiáo jīnyú.

His family's jar holds several goldfish.

这个缸很重,搬动的时候要小心。

Zhè gè gāng hěn zhòng, bān dòng de shí hòu yào xiǎo xīn.

This jar is very heavy; be careful when moving it.