巩

鞏

gǒng

凡 + 工

Definitions

gǒng (adjective) secure; solid

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 丮 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound.

Semantic: 凡 Phonetic: 工

About

The character 巩 is a phonosemantic compound: the component 丮, depicting two hands clutching firmly, gives the core meaning "to hold fast", while 工 (gōng) indicates the sound. It expresses the abstract idea of consolidating, strengthening, or making secure. In the traditional form 鞏, the leather radical 革 was added to evoke binding with tough hide, but simplification restored the original combination of firm grasping and phonetic clue.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

学生需要巩固知识。

Xuéshēng xūyào gǒnggù zhīshì.

english translation 1: Students need to consolidate knowledge.

政府努力巩固经济。

Zhèngfǔ nǔlì gǒnggù jīngjì.

english translation 2: The government works hard to consolidate the economy.

巩老师教我们数学。

Gǒng lǎoshī jiāo wǒmen shùxué.

english translation 3: Teacher Gong teaches us math.

巩固国防是国家的责任。

Gǒnggù guófáng shì guójiā de zérèn.

english translation 4: Consolidating national defense is the country's responsibility.

通过练习可以巩固记忆。

Tōngguò liànxí kěyǐ gǒnggù jìyì.

english translation 5: Through practice, one can consolidate memory.

巩固改革成果至关重要。

Gǒnggù gǎigé chéngguǒ zhìguān zhòngyào.

english translation 6: Consolidating the achievements of reform is crucial.

巩膜是眼睛的重要组成部分。

Gǒngmó shì yǎnjing de zhòngyào zǔchéng bùfen.

english translation 7: The sclera is an important part of the eye.

为了巩固地位，他不断学习新技能。

Wèile gǒnggù dìwèi, tā bùduàn xuéxí xīn jìnéng.

english translation 8: In order to consolidate his position, he continuously learns new skills.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 凡

Component: 工

巩