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March 24, 2026
戈gē(Ge1)
戈 (gē) refers to a type of traditional Chinese weapon, specifically a spear or halberd, often used in ancient warfare. It can also function as a surname in Chinese culture. The character represents not just the weapon itself, but the martial spirit associated with it.
Strokes4Radical戈Frequency#6795DifficultyHard
Cultural note
戈 has historical significance as a symbol of military prowess in ancient China, reflecting the importance of warfare in dynastic struggles. It often appears in classical texts discussing strategy and honor in battle.
Memory tip
Imagine a spear (戈) pointing towards the sky. The vertical line represents the shaft, while the horizontal line symbolizes the blade. The pronunciation 'gē' sounds like the battle cry one might shout while wielding a spear.
Meanings of 戈
gē(Ge1)
1spear, lance, halberd
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 戈 means.
About 戈
戈Simplified
4Strokes
戈Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 戈
Podcast: 戈
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AI study notes for 戈
Usage Notes
戈 is primarily used in historical or literary contexts, often related to martial themes. It is less common in everyday conversation, which can lead to confusion when learners encounter it. Be cautious of its formal tone and avoid using it in casual settings.
HSK Study Tips
Though not included in the HSK, understanding 戈 helps learners appreciate the historical and cultural significance of Chinese characters. Students should focus on recognizing radicals and their meanings, as this character is also a component in other words related to battle and weaponry.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 戈 with other weapon-related characters like 刀 (dāo, knife) or 槍 (qiāng, gun). For example, saying '我喜欢戈' (I like 戈) can be misleading; it’s better to say '我喜欢武器' (I like weapons) when discussing preferences.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 戈
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Learning Lab
Knowing 戈 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.
戈 (gē) refers to a type of traditional Chinese weapon, specifically a spear or halberd, often used in ancient warfare. It can also function as a surname in Chinese culture. The character represents not just the weapon itself, but the martial spirit associated with it.
When to use 戈
戈 is primarily used in historical or literary contexts, often related to martial themes. It is less common in everyday conversation, which can lead to confusion when learners encounter it. Be cautious of its formal tone and avoid using it in casual settings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 戈 with other weapon-related characters like 刀 (dāo, knife) or 槍 (qiāng, gun). For example, saying '我喜欢戈' (I like 戈) can be misleading; it’s better to say '我喜欢武器' (I like weapons) when discussing preferences.
Write 戈
戈
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Grammar patterns of 戈
戈 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
坎贝尔公司的总裁退休后，麦____文被选定为继任者。
When the chairman of Campbell's retired, McGovern was named as his successor.
