Meaning
孔 primarily means a hole, opening, or aperture in something. It can refer to physical holes like those in objects, as well as openings in the body. As a surname, it is most famously associated with Confucius (孔子, Kǒngzǐ), one of China's most influential philosophers.
Usage
孔 is commonly used in compound words to describe various types of holes and openings. In everyday speech, it often appears in words like 孔洞 (hole), 毛孔 (pore), or 鼻孔 (nostril). When used alone, it tends to sound somewhat formal or technical. It's also immediately recognized as Confucius's surname in cultural contexts.
Examples
- 01这块木板上有三个孔。.There are three holes in this wooden board.
- 02孔子是中国古代伟大的思想家和教育家。.Confucius was a great ancient Chinese thinker and educator.
Measure words
- 个一个孔
Common collocations
- 毛孔pore (on skin)
- 鼻孔nostril
- 孔子Confucius
- 针孔pinhole
Origin
The character 孔 originally depicted a child (子) being carried, but evolved to mean an opening or hole. The oracle bone script shows the radical for child, suggesting the concept of an opening or passage.