Learn a Chinese Character - 扩

1. Character Basics

Radical: 扌 (shǒu, hand/action)

Stroke Count: 6

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: kuò

3. Meaning

To expand; to extend; to enlarge; to spread

4. Common Words

• 扩大 (kuò dà) - to expand, to enlarge
• 扩展 (kuò zhǎn) - to extend, to expand
• 扩张 (kuò zhāng) - to expand, to extend, to spread
• 扩充 (kuò chōng) - to augment, to expand
• 扩散 (kuò sàn) - to spread, to diffuse
• 扩建 (kuò jiàn) - to extend a building, to expand construction
• 扩容 (kuò róng) - to expand capacity

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "扩" is primarily used as a verb. It is often combined with other characters to form compound verbs or nouns related to expansion and extension. Some common grammatical patterns include:

• 扩 + Object: For example, "扩大市场" (expand the market)
• 被 + 扩 + Object: For example, "规模被扩大" (the scale was expanded)
• 扩 + 为/到 + Result: For example, "扩建为新厂房" (expanded into a new factory building)

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture and history, the concept of "expansion" has significant meanings. During different dynasties, territorial expansion was an important aspect of governance. In modern times, terms like "改革开放" (Reform and Opening Up) and "扩大内需" (expand domestic demand) reflect important economic policies.

The character "扩" is often used in contexts related to development, growth, and progress. It represents the dynamic nature of Chinese society and economy.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "扩" consists of the radical "扌" (hand) on the left and "广" on the right. You can remember it by associating the "hand" radical with taking action to make something wider (represented by "广", which means wide or broad). Imagine using your hands to make something expand or become wider.

You can also link it to the English word "expand" since both start with a similar sound in some contexts.