How to Write 垄 (lǒng) — Meaning “ridge (in a field); monopoly”

Imagine a dragon (龙) resting on a ridge of earth (土) in a field. The dragon has monopolized the highest spot, so it also helps you remember the meaning of "monopoly." This visual links the shape, sound, and both meanings.

The top part 龙 is wide, so make sure its last stroke (a dot) does not touch the bottom 土. The 土 component should be centered under 龙, and its top horizontal stroke is slightly shorter than the bottom one. A common mistake is making the dragon too tall or squishing the earth part.

在 (zài) has 土 on the left and a different right component (才), meaning "to be at" or "exist." 圩 (wéi/xū) also has 土 but on the left, and means a low wall or a fair. In contrast, 垄 has 土 on the bottom, specifically meaning a ridge or monopoly, and is never used as a preposition or a wall.

垄 is most common in the word 垄断 (lǒng duàn), meaning monopoly, often used in business or economics. The original farming meaning (田垄, field ridge) appears in agricultural contexts or idioms like 垄沟 (furrow). There is a cultural reference to Chinese farmland where ridges divide rice paddies, making 垄 a practical character for rural life.

Common words containing 垄 include: 垄断 (lǒng duàn) — monopoly; to monopolize; 田垄 (tián lǒng) — ridge in a field; 垄沟 (lǒng gōu) — furrow.