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匏 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
匏páogourd; musical instrumentx, 11 strokes, radical 勹
匏páobottle gourdunknown, 11 strokes, radical 勹
匏páoLagenaria vulgarisunknown, 11 strokes, radical 勹
páo(pao2) T2
  1. 1gourd; musical instrument
  2. 2bottle gourd
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

匏páo(pao2)

The character 匏 (páo) refers primarily to a gourd, particularly the bottle gourd, which is often used in cooking and traditional Chinese medicine. It can also denote a musical instrument made from a gourd, highlighting its cultural significance. In various contexts, it may symbolize nourishment and creativity.

Strokes11Radical勹
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the bottle gourd is not only a food source but also used in traditional crafts and music, such as the gourd flute. Its presence in art and festivals signifies abundance and creativity.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bottle gourd hanging from a vine, its round shape resembling a bell. The sound of this gourd when tapped resonates like music, linking the character's meaning with its sound (páo). Visualize the gourd as a musical instrument that brings joy and sustenance.

Meanings of 匏

páo(pao2)
1gourd; musical instrument
2bottle gourd
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 匏

匏Simplified
11Strokes
勹Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 匏

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Podcast: 匏

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AI Study Notes for 匏

Usage Notes

Learners may confuse 匏 with similar characters. It is used more frequently in formal contexts or literature rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to cooking and traditional instruments. Be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone (páo).

HSK Study Tips

Although 匏 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your comprehension of related terms in Chinese cuisine and traditional instruments, as well as broaden your vocabulary regarding plants. Focus on recognizing its form and connecting it with similar characters.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is confusing 匏 with other similar characters like 瓢 (piáo), which means ladle. Make sure to remember that 匏 specifically refers to gourd-related contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 匏

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Etymology of 匏

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

extravagant

Semantic (meaning)夸
+
Phonetic (sound)包
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 匏

  1. 1The meaning half夸 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half包 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayextravagant
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 匏? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 匏?

Decomposition of 匏

IDS Structure⿰夸包
匏Full Character
=
夸kua1
left
包Bao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 匏?

How to say gourd; musical instrument in Chinese

“gourd; musical instrument” in Chinese is匏páo

The character 匏 (páo) refers primarily to a gourd, particularly the bottle gourd, which is often used in cooking and traditional Chinese medicine. It can also denote a musical instrument made from a gourd, highlighting its cultural significance. In various contexts, it may symbolize nourishment and creativity.

When to use 匏

Learners may confuse 匏 with similar characters. It is used more frequently in formal contexts or literature rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to cooking and traditional instruments. Be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone (páo).

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is confusing 匏 with other similar characters like 瓢 (piáo), which means ladle. Make sure to remember that 匏 specifically refers to gourd-related contexts.

Write 匏

匏

Practice writing 匏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 匏

Words Containing This Character1
匏páobottle gourd
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 匏 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 匏

It is pronounced as 'páo' with the second tone.

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