广

廣

yǎn, guǎng

HSK 3.0Level 5

Frequency#468

Definitions

guǎng (adjective) wide; numerous

guǎng (verb) to spread

Etymology

Variant form of 宀 (roof). In simplified Chinese 广 is also used to mean "wide", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 廣. Sometimes used interchangeably with 厂.

About

The character "广" originated from a pictographic representation of a building with extended eaves, initially denoting architectural shelter or space. Its traditional form "廣" incorporates the component "黃" primarily for phonetic value, which over time reinforced the associated meaning of breadth or expanse. While the early usage referred to physical structures, the character's meaning generalized to describe wide or broad concepts, as in "广泛" (guǎngfàn, extensive). The simplified form "广" maintains this core meaning and structural role, often serving as a radical in characters related to buildings or spatial dimensions.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢去广场玩。

Wǒ xǐhuān qù guǎngchǎng wán.

I like to go to the square to play.

广告很吸引人。

Guǎnggào hěn xīyǐn rén.

Advertisements are very attractive.

他知识很广泛。

Tā zhīshì hěn guǎngfàn.

His knowledge is very broad.

广东菜很好吃。

Guǎngdōng cài hěn hǎochī.

Guangdong cuisine is very delicious.

我在听广播。

Wǒ zài tīng guǎngbō.

I am listening to the broadcast.

这个广告在电视上广泛传播。

Zhège guǎnggào zài diànshì shàng guǎngfàn chuánbō.

This advertisement is widely broadcast on television.

广东省是中国南方的一个大省。

Guǎngdōng shěng shì Zhōngguó nánfāng de yīgè dà shěng.

Guangdong Province is a large province in southern China.

通过广泛阅读，我们可以扩大知识面。

Tōngguò guǎngfàn yuèdú, wǒmen kěyǐ kuòdà zhīshì miàn.

Through extensive reading, we can broaden our knowledge.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 广

广