Common Meanings
1
hóng红
The color of fresh blood; red. Also used to describe things associated with good fortune or celebration, such as red envelopes.
过年的时候，孩子们最喜欢收到长辈给的红包
During Chinese New Year, children love receiving red envelopes from their elders.
Symbolizing success, popularity, or being favored by others, as in a 'favorite person' or 'to become popular'.
他凭借出色的演技，很快就在观众中走红了。
Thanks to his excellent acting skills, he quickly became popular with the audience.
When pronounced 'hóng', '红' signifies auspiciousness, joy, or festivity, often associated with happy events like weddings or births, as seen in terms like 'red matchmaker' or 'red eggs'.
小明结婚那天，家家户户都贴上了红双喜字，洋溢着喜庆气氛
On the day of Xiao Ming's wedding, every household put up red 'double happiness' characters, filled with a festive atmosphere.
Symbolizing a pioneering or fervent spirit, often associated with strong conviction and movements for change.
这支队伍带着红色的信念，勇往直前。
This team, carrying a fervent conviction, pressed forward bravely.
Refers to net profit or dividends in business operations, often seen in terms like 'dividends' (红利) or 'profit sharing' (分红).
今年公司业绩好，股东们都拿到了丰厚的红利。
The company performed well this year, and shareholders all received generous dividends.
Refers specifically to 'Redology', the academic study of the classic Chinese novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber'.
他对红楼梦有深入的理解，可以说是一位红学大家。
He has a profound understanding of 'Dream of the Red Chamber', and can be considered a grand master of Redology.
2
gōng红
Used interchangeably with '工' (gōng), it refers to women's productive work, such as spinning, weaving, sewing, and embroidery, or the items produced through such crafts.
她从小就跟着母亲学女红。
She learned needlework from her mother since childhood.