Meanings of 壕
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AI study notes for 壕
壕 is primarily used in formal or military contexts, so it may not be commonly encountered in everyday conversation. Be cautious with its pronunciation; the tone is essential as it distinguishes it from similar-sounding words. Common collocations include '壕沟' (háogōu - trench) and '防御壕' (fángyùháo - defensive trench).
While 壕 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other words related to military and construction themes, such as '墙' (qiáng - wall) and '洞' (dòng - hole). Focus on understanding related terms and the contexts in which they are used, particularly in discussions about defense strategies.
Learners often confuse 壕 (háo) with similar characters like 槽 (cáo - trough) or 沟 (gōu - ditch), leading to incorrect usage. It's important to remember that 壕 specifically implies a protective or military context, so using it in casual settings can sound awkward.
Pronunciation of 壕
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Etymology of 壕
Phonosemantic compound. 土 represents the meaning and 豪 represents the sound.
earth
Origin
壕 = 土 + 豪. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 壕
Parts
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How to say ditch; trench; channel, moat in Chinese
“ditch; trench; channel, moat” in Chinese is壕
The character 壕 (háo) primarily refers to a ditch or trench, often used in military contexts to denote protective channels dug into the ground. It can also refer to a moat surrounding a castle or fortification, emphasizing its role in defense and separation. In a broader sense, it can indicate any kind of channel used for water drainage or as a boundary.
When to use 壕
壕 is primarily used in formal or military contexts, so it may not be commonly encountered in everyday conversation. Be cautious with its pronunciation; the tone is essential as it distinguishes it from similar-sounding words. Common collocations include '壕沟' (háogōu - trench) and '防御壕' (fángyùháo - defensive trench).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 壕 (háo) with similar characters like 槽 (cáo - trough) or 沟 (gōu - ditch), leading to incorrect usage. It's important to remember that 壕 specifically implies a protective or military context, so using it in casual settings can sound awkward.
Write 壕
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Grammar patterns of 壕
壕 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 2 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.
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他们挖好____沟,等候敌人进攻.
They dug in and waited for the enemy's attack.
Example sentences for 壕 (2)
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Word Family of 壕
Words with 壕
What does 战壕 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 壕
壕 (háo) refers to a larger, more fortified ditch or trench, often used in military contexts, while 沟 (gōu) typically indicates a smaller drainage ditch.
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