Learn a Chinese Character

1. Character Basics

Radical: 工 (gōng, work, indicates related to work, labor, or craftsmanship)

Stroke Count: 3

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Gōng (First tone)

3. Meaning

Core Meaning: Work; labor; craft; trade; engineering; industry; worker

Detailed Explanation: This character originally depicted a tool for measuring or constructing, symbolizing work and craftsmanship. It can also refer to professions, industries, or people engaged in manual labor or skilled work.

4. Common Words

工作 (gōng zuò): Work, job
Example: 我有一份新工作。(Wǒ yǒu yī fèn xīn gōng zuò.) - I have a new job.
工人 (gōng rén): Worker, laborer
Example: 这些工人正在建造房子。(Zhè xiē gōng rén zhèng zài jiàn zào fáng zǐ.) - These workers are building a house.
工厂 (gōng chǎng): Factory
Example: 这家工厂生产汽车零件。(Zhè jiā gōng chǎng shēng chǎn qì chē líng jiàn.) - This factory produces car parts.
工程师 (gōng chéng shī): Engineer
Example: 他是一名优秀的工程师。(Tā shì yī míng yōu xiù de gōng chéng shī.) - He is an excellent engineer.
手工 (shǒu gōng): Handicraft, manual work
Example: 这是手工制作的礼物。(Zhè shì shǒu gōng zhì zuò de lǐ wù.) - This is a handcrafted gift.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Noun, verb, adjective

Usage Patterns:

As a noun: 工作 (gōng zuò, work), 工人 (gōng rén, worker), 工厂 (gōng chǎng, factory)
As a verb: 工作 (gōng zuò, to work), 动工 (dòng gōng, to start construction)
As an adjective: 工业的 (gōng yè de, industrial), 工艺的 (gōng yì de, craft-related)
In compound words: 工程师 (gōng chéng shī, engineer), 手工 (shǒu gōng, handicraft)

Common Collocations: 工地 (gōng dì, construction site), 工艺 (gōng yì, craft), 工资 (gōng zī, salary), 工期 (gōng qī, construction period), 工具 (gōng jù, tool)

6. Cultural Background

Cultural Significance: In Chinese culture, the character "工" represents the importance of labor, craftsmanship, and industry. It reflects the traditional values placed on hard work, skill, and contribution to society.

Historical Context: The character "工" has ancient origins, with its form dating back to oracle bone inscriptions where it resembled a tool or measuring instrument. This reflects the early importance of craftsmanship and construction in Chinese civilization.

Modern Usage: Today, "工" is widely used in words related to industry, technology, and employment, reflecting China's development as a modern industrial nation. It is also part of many idioms emphasizing the value of work, such as "勤劳工作" (qín láo gōng zuò, hard work).

7. Example Sentence

Example 1:

他每天努力工作。(Tā měi tiān nǔ lì gōng zuò.)

He works hard every day.

Example 2:

这家工厂有很多工人。(Zhè jiā gōng chǎng yǒu hěn duō gōng rén.)

There are many workers in this factory.

Example 3:

她是一位手工艺术家。(Tā shì yī wèi shǒu gōng yì shù jiā.)

She is a handicraft artist.

8. Memory Tips

1. Shape Association: The character "工" looks like a tool or a measuring instrument, which connects to its meaning of work and craftsmanship.

2. Stroke Mnemonic: The character has only 3 simple strokes: horizontal, vertical, horizontal. Remember it as "one line left, one line down, one line right" - representing the basic structure of work or construction.

3. Word Association: Associate "工" with common words like 工作 (gōng zuò, work) and 工人 (gōng rén, worker) to reinforce its meaning.

4. Cultural Context: Think of the importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture, where skilled work is highly valued.