耿 (gěng) - Bright & shining

耿Tone 3

gěng ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

耿 · gěng

Bright;

shining;

honest;

upright;

also used as a surname.

Brightshininghonest

Usage highlights

Honest and uprightShining brightlyForthright characterGeng surnameLoyal and devotedCannot forget

Synonyms

  • 亮— bright
  • 明— bright, clear
  • 诚— sincere, honest
  • 直— straightforward, honest

Antonyms

  • 暗— dark, dim
  • 阴— overcast, shady
  • 奸— treacherous, crafty

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is an honest person (耿直的人).
  • The stars shine brightly (星光耿耿).
  • She has a forthright personality (性格耿介).
  • Geng is a common surname in China (耿姓).

Collocations

  • Honest and upright(耿直)
  • Shining brightly(耿耿)
  • Forthright character(耿介)
  • Geng surname(耿姓)
  • Loyal and devoted(忠心耿耿)
  • Cannot forget(耿耿于怀)

Idioms

  • Loyal and devoted(忠心耿耿)
  • Bear a grudge(耿耿于怀)
  • Honest and outspoken(耿直不阿)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'ears bright and alert' in oracle bone script, later extended to mean bright and honest.
  • Used as a surname since ancient times, with historical figures like Geng Bing during the Eastern Han dynasty.
  • In modern usage, often associated with positive character traits like honesty and loyalty.

FAQ