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估 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
估
gū
estimate
n, 7 strokes, radical 亻, rank #15652, Very Hard
估
gū
old
n, 7 strokes, radical 亻, rank #15652, Very Hard
估
gū
second-hand (clothes)
n, 7 strokes, radical 亻, rank #15652, Very Hard
估
gū
merchant; to estimate, to guess, to presume
n, 7 strokes, radical 亻, rank #15652, Very Hard
估
gù
estimate
n, 7 strokes, radical 亻, rank #15652, Very Hard
估
gù
old
n, 7 strokes, radical 亻, rank #15652, Very Hard
估
gù
second-hand (clothes)
n, 7 strokes, radical 亻, rank #15652, Very Hard
估
gù
merchant; to estimate, to guess, to presume
n, 7 strokes, radical 亻, rank #15652, Very Hard
gū(gu1)gu
primary
T1
1estimate
2old
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
估gū(gu1)
The character 估 (gū) primarily means to estimate or guess something, often in terms of value or quantity. It is commonly used in contexts such as making price assessments or approximating numbers. The character can also refer to second-hand items, particularly clothing, suggesting a sense of age or prior use.
Strokes7Radical亻Frequency#15652DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese markets, the concept of estimating value is crucial, especially when bargaining for second-hand clothing, which is common in local flea markets. This reflects a culture of negotiation and value assessment in everyday transactions.
Memory tip
Imagine a merchant (商人) squinting at a pile of clothes, trying to estimate their value. The character 估 resembles a person looking closely (the top part) at something on a table (the bottom part), helping you remember both its meaning of estimating and its pronunciation (gū).
Meanings of 估
gū(gu1)
primary
1estimate
2old
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 估 means.
About 估
估Simplified
7Strokes
亻Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#15652Frequency Rank
Podcast: 估
Podcast: 估
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AI study notes for 估
Quick Contrast
估 (gū) vs 评 (píng) — use 估 when focusing on estimation or guessing, while 评 is for evaluation or assessment based on criteria.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 估 with similar-sounding words like 估计 (gūjì), which means 'to estimate' in a more formal sense. This character is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly common in everyday conversation around pricing and value.
HSK Study Tips
Though 估 is not included in the HSK levels, students should connect it to other estimation-related words like 计算 (jìsuàn, to calculate) and 评估 (pínggū, to assess). Focus on practicing its use in sentences to reinforce understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 估 with 估计 and use them interchangeably, which can lead to inaccuracies in context. For example, saying '我估计这个' (wǒ gūjì zhège) when they mean 'I guess this' instead of 'I estimate this' is incorrect; they should use '我估这个' (wǒ gū zhège) for guessing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 估
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 估 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
估 = 亻 + 古. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 估
IDS Structure⿰亻古
估Full character
=
亻ren2
left
古Gu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 估?
How to say estimate in Chinese
“estimate” in Chinese is估gū
The character 估 (gū) primarily means to estimate or guess something, often in terms of value or quantity. It is commonly used in contexts such as making price assessments or approximating numbers. The character can also refer to second-hand items, particularly clothing, suggesting a sense of age or prior use.
When to use 估
Be careful not to confuse 估 with similar-sounding words like 估计 (gūjì), which means 'to estimate' in a more formal sense. This character is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly common in everyday conversation around pricing and value.
估 or something close to it
估 (gū) vs 评 (píng) — use 估 when focusing on estimation or guessing, while 评 is for evaluation or assessment based on criteria.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 估 with 估计 and use them interchangeably, which can lead to inaccuracies in context. For example, saying '我估计这个' (wǒ gūjì zhège) when they mean 'I guess this' instead of 'I estimate this' is incorrect; they should use '我估这个' (wǒ gū zhège) for guessing.
Write 估
估
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Practice writing 估 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 估
估 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
大致的____计费用为每月9,000万美元。
Ballpark estimates indicate a price tag of $90 million a month.
Common confusions with 估
估vs固
gù
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “estimate”?
or
Example sentences for 估 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
大致的估计费用为每月9,000万美元。
dàzhì de gūjì fèiyong wèi měi yuè9,000 wàn měiyuán。
Ballpark estimates indicate a price tag of $90 million a month.
2
我应该指出，这些估算仅包括医院的费用。
wǒ yīnggāi zhǐchū， zhèxiē gūsuàn jǐn bāokuò yīyuàn de fèiyong。
I should point out that these estimates cover just the hospital expenditures.
估 (gū) is the verb 'to estimate,' while 估计 (gūjì) is a more formal expression that means 'to estimate' or 'to calculate.' In practice, they can often be used interchangeably, although 估计 may be more common in written or formal contexts.
Yes, 估 can refer to second-hand items, including clothing. When discussing second-hand clothes, you might hear phrases like 估衣 (gū yī), which directly translates to 'second-hand clothes.' This usage highlights the character's versatility in describing the age or condition of items.
估 (gū) means 'to estimate' or 'to assess.' It can also refer to something that is old or second-hand, especially in the context of clothing. This character is commonly used in contexts involving valuation or approximation.
You can use 估 by combining it with other words to form phrases. For example, 估计 (gūjì) means 'to estimate' or 'to assess.' A sentence could be: 我估计这个价格太高了 (I estimate that this price is too high).
Yes, while 估 is commonly used in spoken language, it can also appear in formal contexts, especially when discussing estimates in business or academic settings.
No, 估 can be used for estimating various things, not just money; it applies to quantities, time, and other values as well.
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