坑 — meaning in English: pit

kēng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for pit

蔬菜

shūcài

准备

zhǔnbèi

类

lèi

内阁

nèigé

坑

kēng

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 坑 (kēng) in both everyday conversations and specific contexts such as construction or agriculture. For example, someone might refer to a 坑 when discussing a pit in a field for planting or a hole that needs to be filled in a road repair scenario.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 洞 (dòng), meaning 'cave' or 'hole,' which tends to refer to a more enclosed space. You would choose 坑 when specifically talking about a pit that is often used for a purpose like planting or excavation, rather than just any hole.

Culture

The character 坑 (kēng) combines 土 (tǔ), meaning 'earth' or 'soil,' with the phonetic component 亘 (gèn), which conveys the idea of a hollow place in the ground. In Chinese culture, pits have been historically significant as they are often associated with agriculture, such as for irrigation or planting, and even in traditional burial practices, where graves might be described in similar terms.

FAQ

Q.What does 坑 mean in English?

The word 坑 (kēng) translates to 'pit' in English, referring to a hollow or depression in the ground.

Q.How is 坑 used in a sentence?

You might say, '这个坑太深了' (Zhège kēng tài shēn le), meaning 'This pit is too deep.' It's commonly used in discussions about construction or gardening.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 坑?

A common mistake is confusing 坑 with other words for holes or depressions. Remember, 坑 specifically refers to a pit that usually has a functional purpose, while other terms might not carry that implication.

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