桿 (gǎn) - rod, pole, lever, handle & a long, slender piece of wood or metal

桿Tone 3

gǎn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

桿 · gǎn

rod, pole, lever, handle;

a long, slender piece of wood or metal used for support or as a tool.

rod, pole, lever, handlea long, slender piece of wood or metal

Usage highlights

leverflagpolecontrol leverpen barrelpiston rodmeasuring rod

Synonyms

  • 棍— stick, rod (often thicker or less precise)
  • 棒— club, stick (often for hitting or sports)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He used a lever to lift the heavy object (用杠杆撬起重物).
  • The flag was flying high on the flagpole (旗杆上旗帜飘扬).
  • Adjust the control lever to change the speed (调节操纵杆改变速度).
  • The pen has a comfortable grip (笔杆握感舒适).

Collocations

  • lever(杠杆)
  • flagpole(旗杆)
  • control lever(操纵杆)
  • pen barrel(笔杆)
  • piston rod(活塞杆)
  • measuring rod(测杆)

Idioms

  • To add fuel to the flames(火上加油，相当于火上浇油, though not a direct idiom with 杆)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically used in tools and weapons, representing mechanical advantage and support.
  • In modern contexts, often associated with engineering, mechanics, and sports equipment.

FAQ