Learn a Chinese Character - 巩

1. Character Basics

Radical: 工 (gōng, work/craft, indicates related to construction or reinforcement)

Stroke Count: 6

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Gǒng (Third tone)

3. Meaning

Core Meaning: To strengthen; to consolidate; to reinforce; to hold firmly; to stabilize; firm; solid

The character 巩 (gǒng) primarily conveys the idea of strengthening, consolidating, or reinforcing something to make it firm and stable. It can be used both as a verb to describe the action of reinforcing, and as an adjective to describe something that is solid or stable.

4. Common Words

• 巩固 (Gǒnggù) - To consolidate; to strengthen
  Example: 我们需要巩固我们的友谊。(Wǒmen xūyào gǒnggù wǒmen de yǒuyì.) - We need to strengthen our friendship.
• 巩膜 (Gǒngmó) - Sclera (white of the eye)
  Example: 巩膜是眼球外层的坚韧组织。(Gǒngmó shì yǎnqiú wàicéng de jiānrèn zǔzhī.) - The sclera is the tough outer layer of the eyeball.
• 巩建 (Gǒngjiàn) - To consolidate and build
  Example: 公司正在巩建其市场地位。(Gōngsī zhèngzài gǒngjiàn qí shìchǎng dìwèi.) - The company is consolidating and building its market position.
• 巩守 (Gǒngshǒu) - To firmly defend; to hold fast
  Example: 士兵们巩守阵地。(Shìbīngmen gǒngshǒu zhèndì.) - The soldiers firmly defended their position.
• 巩金瓯 (Gǒngjīnōu) - To strengthen the country (literary expression)
  Example: 巩金瓯，保家国。(Gǒngjīnōu, bǎojiāguó.) - Strengthen the country and protect our homeland.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Mainly used as a verb or adjective

Usage Patterns:

• As a verb: 巩固 (to consolidate), 巩守 (to firmly defend)
• As an adjective: 巩 (firm), 巩固 (solid, stable)
• In compound words: 巩膜 (sclera), 巩建 (to consolidate and build)
• In idioms: 巩金瓯 (to strengthen the country)

Common Collocations:

• 巩固基础 (Gǒnggù jīchǔ) - To consolidate the foundation
• 巩固成果 (Gǒnggù chéngguǒ) - To consolidate achievements
• 巩固政权 (Gǒnggù zhèngquán) - To consolidate political power
• 巩固地位 (Gǒnggù dìwèi) - To consolidate one's position
• 巩固友谊 (Gǒnggù yǒuyì) - To strengthen friendship

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the character 巩 (gǒng) carries several important cultural connotations:

• Stability and Continuity: The concept of 巩固 (gǒnggù) is highly valued in Chinese culture, reflecting the importance placed on stability, continuity, and maintaining what has been established.
• National Unity: Phrases like 巩金瓯 (gǒngjīnōu) are used in a patriotic context to express the desire to strengthen and protect the country.
• Personal Development: The idea of consolidating one's knowledge, skills, and character is an important aspect of traditional Chinese educational philosophy.
• Structural Integrity: The character's original meaning is related to construction and reinforcement, reflecting the Chinese emphasis on solid foundations in both physical structures and abstract concepts.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Here are some tips to help you remember the character 巩 (gǒng):

• Component Breakdown: The character consists of two parts:
  • 工 (gōng, work/craft) on the left
  • 凡 (fán, all) on the right
• Visual Association: Imagine a construction worker (工) reinforcing or consolidating (巩) something, which connects to the meaning of strengthening or making firm.
• Mnemonic Sentence: "工凡合一，巩固根基" (Gōng fán hé yī, gǒnggù gēnjī) - "Work and all combined, consolidate the foundation."
• Stroke Order Practice: Write the character following this order:
  1. 一 (horizontal stroke) - top of 工
  2. 丨 (vertical stroke) - middle of 工
  3. 一 (horizontal stroke) - bottom of 工
  4. 丿 (pie) - top left of 凡
  5. 𠃍 (horizontal hook) - middle of 凡
  6. 丶 (dot) - bottom right of 凡