Traditional: 幹
gàn HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

这棵树的干很粗。
Zhè kē shù de gàn hěn cū.
The trunk of this tree is very thick.
他是公司的骨干。
Tā shì gōngsī de gǔgàn.
He is the backbone of the company.
我喜欢树干的样子。
Wǒ xǐhuān shùgàn de yàngzi.
I like the appearance of tree trunks.
我干这个。
Wǒ gàn zhège.
I'll do this.
他干工作。
Tā gàn gōngzuò.
He does the work.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 干 as 'get it done'—it sounds like 'gone' when pronounced, as in 'the task is gone after you do it.' Visualize someone actively working to complete an action, linking it to the core meaning of doing or acting.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is primarily used in informal spoken Chinese and casual writing. It's often employed in questions or statements about actions, such as inquiring about someone's activities or describing work-related tasks. Avoid using it in very formal contexts where more specific verbs like 做 (zuò) or 进行 (jìnxíng) might be preferred.

📖 Grammar Points

干 is often used in questions with 什么 (shénme) to ask 'what did you do?' as in 你干了什么? It can also be combined with result complements, like 干完 (finish doing) or 干不了 (cannot do). In commands, it appears as 干吧 (go ahead and do it).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 干 is associated with diligence and hard work, reflecting values of action and productivity. It's commonly used in expressions like 加油干 (jiāyóu gàn), meaning 'work hard,' to encourage effort. However, in some contexts, it can sound blunt or casual, so it's best used among friends or peers.

🔄 Similar Words

干 (gàn) is similar to 做 (zuò), which also means 'to do,' but 干 often implies a more physical or concrete action, while 做 can be broader and include abstract tasks. 干 is also more colloquial and direct compared to 进行 (jìnxíng), which is formal and used for processes or activities.

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