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March 24, 2026
固gù(gu4)
The character 固 (gù) conveys the idea of being hard, strong, or solid. It is commonly used in contexts relating to physical strength or stability, as well as to describe certainty or assurance in statements or beliefs. Its nuances can imply reliability and steadfastness in both tangible and abstract forms.
Strokes8Radical囗Frequency#21300DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of solidity is critical; structures are designed to endure time and elements, reflecting the cultural value placed on permanence and stability, which resonates with the meaning of 固.
Memory Tip
Imagine a solid rock (the shape of 固 resembles a rock) that is both hard and unmovable, representing strength and stability. The left part of the character, '土' (earth), suggests something grounded, while the right part '口' (mouth) can remind you that this strength is spoken with confidence.
Meanings of 固
gù(gu4)
1hard
2strong
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
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About 固
固Simplified
8Strokes
囗Radical
简称abbreviation (abbr.)Part of Speech
#21300Frequency Rank
Podcast: 固
Podcast: 固
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AI Study Notes for 固
Quick Contrast
坚 (jiān) - use 固 (gù) when emphasizing stability or firmness, while 坚 (jiān) often highlights strength or resilience.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 固 with similar characters like 固定 (gùdìng, to fix or stabilize). This character is more formal and is often used in written language rather than in casual conversation. Learners should also pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 固 is not explicitly part of the HSK vocabulary list, it shares characteristics with other HSK-level words that describe states and qualities. Students should focus on its use in compound words and phrases, enhancing their understanding of how it can modify or strengthen meanings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 固 with the character 硬 (yìng, hard) in terms of meaning. For example, saying '这个东西是固' (This thing is 固) is incorrect; instead, use '这个东西是硬的' (This thing is hard).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 固
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How Well Do You Know 固?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 固 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.
固 = 囗 + 古. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 固
IDS Structure⿴囗古
固Full Character
=
囗wei2
enclosing
古Gu3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 固?
How to say hard in Chinese
“hard” in Chinese is固gù
The character 固 (gù) conveys the idea of being hard, strong, or solid. It is commonly used in contexts relating to physical strength or stability, as well as to describe certainty or assurance in statements or beliefs. Its nuances can imply reliability and steadfastness in both tangible and abstract forms.
When to use 固
Common mistakes include confusing 固 with similar characters like 固定 (gùdìng, to fix or stabilize). This character is more formal and is often used in written language rather than in casual conversation. Learners should also pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
固 or something close to it
坚 (jiān) - use 固 (gù) when emphasizing stability or firmness, while 坚 (jiān) often highlights strength or resilience.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 固 with the character 硬 (yìng, hard) in terms of meaning. For example, saying '这个东西是固' (This thing is 固) is incorrect; instead, use '这个东西是硬的' (This thing is hard).
Write 固
固
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Practice writing 固 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 固
固 carries 10 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
