About
The character 坑 is a phono-semantic compound. Its left-side radical 土 (earth/soil) links the meaning to the ground, while the right component 亢 serves as the phonetic element. Originally, it denoted a physical pit, hole, or trench in the earth, formed by digging or erosion. Historically, it also functioned as a verb meaning to bury people alive. In modern usage, the meaning has broadened to encompass entrapping, cheating, or defrauding someone, causing them serious loss or disadvantage.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
路上有个小坑。
坑里都是水。
这个坑需要填平。
他挖了一个深坑。
小心别掉进坑里。
这个产品坑了不少人。
网上购物要防坑。
那个项目是个无底坑。