Chinese Character: 轰
1. Character Basics
Radical: 车/chē (vehicle/car) + 双/shuāng (double)
Stroke Count: 8 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Hōng (First tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Explode; bang; rumble; crash; bombard
Extended Meanings: Roar; thunder; detonate; destroy with explosives
Additional Notes: Often used to describe loud, explosive sounds or actions that produce such sounds.
4. Common Words
- 轰动 (hōng dòng) - Cause a sensation; create a stir
Example: 这个消息轰动了整个城市。(This news caused a sensation throughout the city.) - 轰炸 (hōng zhà) - Bombard; air raid
Example: 敌人轰炸了这座城市。(The enemy bombarded this city.) - 轰鸣 (hōng míng) - Roar; thunder
Example: 飞机的轰鸣声震耳欲聋。(The roar of the airplane was deafening.) - 轰然 (hōng rán) - With a loud crash
Example: 大楼轰然倒塌。(The building collapsed with a loud crash.) - 轰轰烈烈 (hōng hōng liè liè) - Majestic; spectacular; with great momentum
Example: 他度过了轰轰烈烈的一生。(He lived a spectacular life.)
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Verb, adjective, adverb
Usage:
- As a verb: To explode; to make a loud noise
- As an adjective: Describing something loud or spectacular
- As an adverb: Describing how something happens with a loud noise
Common Structures:
- 轰 + 动词: 轰炸 (bombard), 轰鸣 (roar)
- 形容词 + 轰: 轰鸣 (thunderous roar), 轰动 (sensational)
- 叠词形式: 轰轰烈烈 (majestic, spectacular)
Notes: "轰" is often used in onomatopoeic expressions to mimic loud sounds.
6. Cultural Background
The character "轰" has interesting cultural connotations:
- Character Origin: The character originally represented three carriages passing by, creating a loud noise. It evolved to represent any loud, explosive sound.
- Literary Usage: In Chinese literature, "轰" is often used to describe the sound of thunder, explosions, or large crowds.
- Modern Context: Today, "轰" is frequently used in news reports and discussions about wars, conflicts, and other events involving loud noises or explosive actions.
- Idiomatic Expressions: Many idioms incorporate "轰", such as "轰轰烈烈" (majestic, spectacular) and "轰动一时" (cause a sensation for a time).
- Cultural Symbolism: The character can symbolize power, energy, and sudden, dramatic events in Chinese culture.
7. Example Sentence
Example 1:
中文字：雷声轰鸣，大雨倾盆而下。
Pinyin：Léi shēng hōng míng, dà yǔ qīng pén ér xià.
English：Thunder roared and heavy rain poured down.
Example 2:
中文字：这部电影在上映后引起了轰动。
Pinyin：Zhè bù diàn yǐng zài shàng yìng hòu yǐn qǐ le hōng dòng.
English：This movie caused a sensation after its release.
Example 3:
中文字：战士们轰轰烈烈地投入到战斗中。
Pinyin：Zhàn shì men hōng hōng liè liè de tóu rù dào zhàn dòu zhōng.
English：The soldiers threw themselves into battle with great momentum.
8. Memory Tips
Memory Techniques:
- Structure Memory: The character consists of 车 (chē, vehicle) repeated three times in some traditional forms, symbolizing multiple vehicles making loud noises together.
- Sound Association: The pronunciation "hōng" sounds similar to the English word "boom", which can help you remember it.
- Image Association: Imagine a loud explosion or thunder, and associate that sound with the character "轰".
- Stroke Order Practice: Practice writing the character following the correct stroke order (8 strokes total). This will help with muscle memory.
- Contextual Use: Use the character in sentences related to loud noises, explosions, or spectacular events to reinforce its meaning and usage.