Chinese Character: 阔
1. Character Basics
Radical: 门 (mén, door)
Stroke Count: 12
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: kuò
3. Meaning
Wide; broad; spacious; vast; open; wealthy; rich
4. Common Words
- 宽阔 (kuān kuò) - wide, broad, spacious
- 广阔 (guǎng kuò) - vast, extensive, wide-ranging
- 阔气 (kuò qi) - wealthy, luxurious, extravagant
- 阔别 (kuò bié) - long separation, be separated for a long time
- 开阔 (kāi kuò) - broad, open, extensive, spacious
- 海阔天空 (hǎi kuò tiān kōng) - as broad as the sea and sky, unfettered, unrestrained
- 开阔眼界 (kāi kuò yǎn jiè) - to broaden one's horizons
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "阔" is primarily used as an adjective to describe something that is wide, broad, or spacious. It can also describe someone who is wealthy or lives a luxurious lifestyle.
- 阔 + 名词: For example, "阔路" (wide road), "阔人" (wealthy person)
- 名词 + 阔: In some compounds like "广阔" (vast), "宽阔" (wide)
- 得 + 阔: As a complement, for example, "这条路修得很阔" (This road was built very wide)
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the concept of "阔" (wide, vast) has deep cultural significance. Traditional Chinese landscapes often emphasize vastness and openness, reflecting the philosophical idea of harmony between humans and nature.
The phrase "海阔天空" (as broad as the sea and sky) is often used to describe a broad mind or unlimited possibilities. It also reflects the Chinese aesthetic appreciation for spaciousness and grandeur.
In terms of social status, "阔" has been used historically to describe wealthy or influential people, similar to how "阔气" (luxurious) is used today to describe a lavish lifestyle.
7. Example Sentence
站在山顶上，视野变得非常开阔。
Zhàn zài shān dǐng shàng, shì yě biàn de fēi cháng kāi kuò.
Standing on the top of the mountain, the view becomes very broad.
8. Memory Tips
The character "阔" consists of the radical "门" (door) on the outside and "活" (live) on the inside. You can remember it by imagining a door that is wide enough for people to live and move freely inside. The combination of "门" and "活" suggests a space that is open and allows for life and activity.
Another way to remember: the pronunciation "kuò" sounds similar to "扩" (expand), which can help you associate it with the idea of something becoming wider or more spacious.