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March 24, 2026
弧hú(hu2)
The character 弧 (hú) refers to an arc or crescent shape, often associated with curves and rounded forms. It can also denote the shape of a wooden bow used in archery. This term is commonly used in mathematics and geometry, as well as in discussions about objects with curved outlines.
Strokes8Radical弓Frequency#23838DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese art and architecture, the concept of curves and arcs is often celebrated, reflecting the aesthetic importance of harmony and fluidity in design. For example, the graceful curves of traditional Chinese roofs embody the essence of harmony with nature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a crescent moon (which resembles an arc) hanging in the sky. The character 弧 features the radical 弓 (bow) on the left, linking it to both the shape of a bow and the curved form of an arc. Visualize drawing an arc with a bowstring to help remember the pronunciation 'hú'.
Meanings of 弧
hú(hu2)
1arc, crescent; wooden bow
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 弧
弧Simplified
8Strokes
弓Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 弧
Podcast: 弧
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AI Study Notes for 弧
Quick Contrast
弧 (hú) vs 曲 (qū) — use 弧 for specific arc shapes, while 曲 refers to general curves or bends.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 弧, as it is pronounced with a rising tone (hú). This character is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in mathematics or technical discussions. A common collocation is '弧度' (húdù), which means 'radian'.
HSK Study Tips
While 弧 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other words describing shapes and forms, such as 圆 (yuán, circle) and 线 (xiàn, line). Students should focus on recognizing how this character is used in mathematical contexts and practice its pronunciation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 弧 with 乎 (hū), which has a different meaning. For example, saying '我喜欢弧' (wǒ xǐhuān hú) to mean 'I like it' is incorrect; '我喜欢它' (wǒ xǐhuān tā) is the correct phrase.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弧
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Phonosemantic compound. 弓 represents the meaning and 瓜 represents the sound.
1The meaning half弓 carries the sense.
2The sound half瓜 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaybow
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 弧? 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 弧?
Decomposition of 弧
IDS Structure⿰弓瓜
弧Full Character
=
弓Gong1
left
瓜gua1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 弧?
How to say arc, crescent; wooden bow in Chinese
“arc, crescent; wooden bow” in Chinese is弧hú
The character 弧 (hú) refers to an arc or crescent shape, often associated with curves and rounded forms. It can also denote the shape of a wooden bow used in archery. This term is commonly used in mathematics and geometry, as well as in discussions about objects with curved outlines.
When to use 弧
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 弧, as it is pronounced with a rising tone (hú). This character is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in mathematics or technical discussions. A common collocation is '弧度' (húdù), which means 'radian'.
弧 or something close to it
弧 (hú) vs 曲 (qū) — use 弧 for specific arc shapes, while 曲 refers to general curves or bends.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 弧 with 乎 (hū), which has a different meaning. For example, saying '我喜欢弧' (wǒ xǐhuān hú) to mean 'I like it' is incorrect; '我喜欢它' (wǒ xǐhuān tā) is the correct phrase.
Write 弧
弧
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Practice writing 弧 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 弧
弧 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
阿留申群岛是北太平洋上一长串呈____形排列的小岛。
The Aleutian chain is a long arc of islands in the North Pacific.
