How to Write 旷 (kuàng) — Meaning “Vast; to neglect (work or study).”

Picture a sun (日) shining over a huge, open field (广) — this vast landscape helps you recall the meaning “vast.” To remember the “neglect” meaning, imagine a student who would rather play in that open field than go to class, so they “skip” or “neglect” their studies.

The left part 日 is narrow and takes about one-third of the width, while the right part 广 is wider and taller. A common mistake is making the 日 too wide or forgetting that the top dot of 广 should start above the left edge of 日. Write 日 first (4 strokes) then add the dot, horizontal stroke, and left-falling stroke of 广.

All three contain 日, but 旷 has 广 (broad) on the right, giving it the meaning of “vast” or “to neglect.” 旦 (dàn, dawn) places the sun above a horizontal line (the horizon), while 旧 (jiù, old) has a vertical stroke (丨) inside the right side. Visually, 旷 is wider on the right, 旦 is balanced with a line below, and 旧 has a straight vertical line next to the sun.

The most common uses are in the words 旷课 (skip class) and 旷工 (skip work), which describe being absent without permission. 空旷 (spacious) describes an open, empty place like a large field or square. Culturally, 旷课 is considered a negative behavior in Chinese schools, and students may face punishment for habitual truancy.

Common words containing 旷 include: 旷课 (kuàng kè) — To skip class; truant.; 旷工 (kuàng gōng) — To skip work; absenteeism.; 空旷 (kōng kuàng) — Spacious / open.