港

• Pinyin: gǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 港 = 氵 + 巷 (water radical + lane, suggesting a sheltered waterway)

Meaning

Harbour; port; a coastal or riverine area where ships can dock, shelter, and load or unload cargo.

Used in geographical place names and maritime contexts. Refers to natural or man-made harbours. As a standalone abbreviation, 港 commonly refers to Hong Kong (香港). Key compounds: 港口 (port facility), 港湾 (sheltered bay), 港区 (port zone).

Examples

1. 这座古镇依港而建，昔日曾是南方丝绸之路上重要的贸易集散地。 This old town was built along the harbor; in the past it was an important trading hub on the Southern Silk Road.
2. 上海港年吞吐量位居全球前列，是中国对外贸易的重要门户。 Shanghai Port ranks among the world’s leaders in annual cargo throughput and is a major gateway for China’s foreign trade.
3. 他在港工作多年，对香港的商业环境与法律体系有着深刻的认识。 He has worked at the port for many years and has a deep understanding of Hong Kong’s business environment and legal system.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, trade, maritime

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个天然深水港自古便是商贾云集之地，如今已发展成国际一流的综合贸易港口。(This natural deep-water harbour has been a gathering place for merchants since ancient times and has now developed into a world-class integrated trade port.)
• 该地区的港口设施经过大规模扩建后，年货物处理能力提高了近一倍。(After large-scale expansion, the region's port facilities have nearly doubled their annual cargo handling capacity.)

Don't Say

• 我去港游泳 — 港 refers to harbour infrastructure or geography; use 海边 or 泳池 for swimming locations

Origin & History

港 = 氵 (water radical) + 巷 (lane/alley — narrow passage for water)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal