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弧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
弧húarc, crescent; wooden bown, 8 strokes, radical 弓, rank #23838, Hard
hú(hu2) T2
  1. 1arc, crescent; wooden bow
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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#23838DifficultyHard
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

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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.

Memory Mnemonic

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'.

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.

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.

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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Etymology of 弧

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

Phonosemantic compound. 弓 represents the meaning and 瓜 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

bow

Semantic (meaning)弓
+
Phonetic (sound)瓜
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
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?

Write 弧

弧

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

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.

Example Sentences for 弧 (9)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
阿留申群岛是北太平洋上一长串呈弧形排列的小岛。

ā liú shēn qún dǎo shì běi tài píng yáng shàng yī cháng chuàn chéng hú xíng pái liè de xiǎo dǎo。

The Aleutian chain is a long arc of islands in the North Pacific.
2
对全身每个部位画长弧线轻抚或做圆圈状按摩。

duì quán shēn měi gè bù wèi huà cháng hú xiàn qīng fǔ huò zuò yuán quān zhuàng àn mó。

Cover each part of the body with long sweeping strokes or circular motions.
3
不很精确的射电干涉仪观测表明,这个源的角径约为1.5弧秒.

bù hěn jīng què de shè diàn gān shè yí guān cè biǎo míng, , zhè gè yuán de jiǎo jìng yuē1.5 wéi 1.5.

Comparatively rudimentary interferometer observations suggested that this source is about 5 across.
4
彩虹在小城上空画出了一道优美的弧线。

cǎi hóng zài xiǎo chéng shàng kōng huà chū le yī dào yōu měi de hú xiàn。

A rainbow arced gracefully over the town.
5
他一脚弧线球射门成功。

tā yī jiǎo hú xiàn qiú shè mén chéng gōng。

He curled the ball into the net.
6
球在空中划出一道奇异的弧线。

qiú zài kōng zhōng huá chū yī dào qí yì de hú xiàn。

The ball curved strangely in the air.
7
彩虹在昏暗的天空划出了一道圆弧.

cǎi hóng zài hūn àn de tiān kōng huá chū le yī dào yuán hú.

The rainbow described an arc in the dark sky.
8
把你的名字填在每页上端的括弧内.

bǎ nǐ de míng zì tián zài měi yè shàng duān de kuò hú nèi.

Put your name in brackets at the top of each page.
9
弦AC正对弧ABC. .

xiánAC AC zhèng duìABC..

The chord AC subtends the arc ABC.

Cultural Notes for 弧

🏮Cultural insight

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.

Word Family of 弧

Words Containing This Character12
弧húarc
弧线arc弧線
弧度radian
弧形curve
圆弧arc of a circle圓弧
电弧electric arc電弧
反射弧reflex arc
弧光arc light
岛弧forearc島弧
括弧kuòhúparenthesis
弧光灯arc lamp弧光燈
余弧complementary arc餘弧
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 弧 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 弧

It is primarily used in mathematical or technical contexts, so you might not hear it in casual conversation.