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The character 闶 (kāng) is the simplified version of the traditional 閌. It is structured as a phono-semantic compound, with the semantic radical 门 (derived from 門, meaning 'door' or 'gate') enclosing the phonetic component 亢 (kàng). In its primary historical meaning, 闶 denotes a particularly tall and imposing gate, typically situated at the entrance of a grand building or courtyard. From this image of a grand portal, the character also acquired the extended meaning of being vast and spacious, describing wide-open areas. Although it conveys a vivid architectural impression, 闶 is rarely encountered in contemporary everyday language.
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