杆 (gǎn) — (noun) a stick, pole, or lever; (classifier) for long, rod-like objects such as guns, fishing rods, and flagpoles
Definition
A rod or pole — 根 is the everyday classifier for slim stick-like things (cigarettes, ropes), while 一杆 is reserved for longer rigid objects like guns, flagpoles, or steelyards. 枝 overlaps for pens and flowers, but never for tools or weapons.
noun
a stickpoleor lever
classifier
for longrod-like objects such as gunsfishing rodsand flagpoles
Measure word · 条
Examples
- 杆，。Zhè gēn gǎn hěn zhòng, wǒ ná bú dòng.This pole is very heavy; I can't carry it.
- 杆。Tā shǒu lǐ ná zhe yì gǎn qiāng.He is holding a gun in his hand.
- 杆。Tā yòng yì gǎn chèng chēng le yí xià.He weighed it with a steelyard.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
杆 pairs 木 (tree) with 干, which gives the sound. The 木 part shows the thing is made of wood.
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