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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Phonosemantic compound. 囗 represents the meaning and 古 represents the sound.
1The meaning half囗 carries the sense.
2The sound half古 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayborder
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 固? 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 固?
Decomposition of 固
IDS Structure⿴囗古
固Full Character
=
囗wei2
enclosing
古Gu3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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.
