缸

• Pinyin: gāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 缸 = 缶 + 工 (earthenware vessel radical + phonetic element 工)

Meaning

Vat; jar; crock; a large container made of ceramic, glass, or metal used for storing liquids, fish, or other substances.

Used in household and traditional contexts. Common compounds: 鱼缸 (fish tank/aquarium), 水缸 (water storage jar), 陶缸 (ceramic vat). Also appears in mechanical vocabulary as 气缸 (engine cylinder). A culturally familiar object in traditional Chinese households.

Examples

1. 院子角落里摆着几口大缸，里面养着荷花和各色金鱼，生机勃勃。 In the corner of the courtyard sat several large vats, filled with lotus plants and colorful goldfish, full of life.
2. 老酿酒师将新酿的米酒封入陶缸，深埋地下，等待三年后开坛。 The veteran brewer sealed the newly made rice wine in a ceramic crock and buried it deep underground, waiting to open it three years later.
3. 孩子们趴在鱼缸前，目不转睛地盯着那条通体火红的大锦鲤，久久不愿离开。 The kids leaned over the fish tank, staring intently at the bright red koi, unwilling to leave for a long time.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, traditional, household

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 祖母在院子里摆了一口大水缸，用来储备雨水，以备干旱时浇灌菜园。(Grandmother placed a large water vat in the courtyard to store rainwater for watering the vegetable garden during droughts.)
• 这家博物馆展出了多件汉代陶缸，展示了古代制陶工艺的精湛水平。(This museum displays several Han dynasty ceramic vats, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient pottery-making.)

Don't Say

• 把垃圾放进缸里 — 缸 is for storing liquids, fish, or food; use 桶 for bins or 箱 for boxes

Origin & History

缸 = 缶 (earthen vessel radical) + 工 (phonetic)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal