unknown, 11 strokes, radical 扌, rank #68155, Very Hard
duō(duo1) T1
1to pick up, to gather, to collect
2gather up
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March 24, 2026
掇duō(duo1)
The character 掇 (duō) means to pick up, gather, or collect something. It is commonly used in contexts involving the collection of items or the act of picking things up, such as fruits, objects, or even ideas. This character conveys a sense of careful selection and accumulation.
Strokes11Radical扌Frequency#68155DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of gathering or collecting is often associated with traditional practices such as harvesting fruits during festivals, highlighting the importance of community and sharing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person named 'Duo' who is carefully picking up colorful fruits from the ground. The character 掇 looks like a hand (扌, the left radical) reaching out to gather (the right component 𠂉 resembles a collection of items). This visual helps you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 掇
duō(duo1)
1to pick up, to gather, to collect
2gather up
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 掇
掇Simplified
11Strokes
扌Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 掇
Podcast: 掇
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AI Study Notes for 掇
Quick Contrast
捡 (jiǎn) - use 掇 when emphasizing careful selection, while 捡 focuses more on picking up items without the same nuance of selection.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person named 'Duo' who is carefully picking up colorful fruits from the ground. The character 掇 looks like a hand (扌, the left radical) reaching out to gather (the right component 𠂉 resembles a collection of items). This visual helps you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 掇 with the similar-sounding character 拾 (shí), which also means to pick up but is more commonly used in everyday language. 掇 is slightly more formal. Remember to use the correct tone and context to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
Although 掇 is not in any HSK level, it shares the common theme of gathering with related words like 收 (shōu, to collect) and 挑 (tiāo, to pick). Focus on using it in phrases that convey collection or careful selection to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of gathering or collecting is often associated with traditional practices such as harvesting fruits during festivals, highlighting the importance of community and sharing.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 掇 in contexts where 拾 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我掇了一个球' instead of '我拾了一个球' (I picked up a ball). Always consider the formality of the situation when choosing between these words.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 掇
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Grammar Patterns of 掇
掇 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他们从未被撺____去冒这样的风险。
They have never been actively encouraged to take such risks.
Example Sentences for 掇 (3)
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1
他们从未被撺掇去冒这样的风险。
tā mén cóng wèi bèi cuān duō qù mào zhè yàng de fēng xiǎn。
They have never been actively encouraged to take such risks.
A few facts can be gleaned from other writings and from coins and inscription.
Cultural Notes for 掇
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of gathering or collecting is often associated with traditional practices such as harvesting fruits during festivals, highlighting the importance of community and sharing.
Word Family of 掇
Words Containing This Character4
拾掇to clear up
撺掇to urge sb on攛掇
掇duōto pick up
掇刀区Duodao district of Jingmen city 荊門市|荆门市[Jīngménshì], Hubei掇刀區
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 拾掇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掇
You can use it in a sentence like '我去公园里掇花' (Wǒ qù gōngyuán lǐ duō huā), meaning 'I go to the park to pick flowers.'
It is less common in casual conversation and more often found in written or formal contexts.
Similar words include 收 (shōu, to collect) and 拾 (shí, to pick up), though they have different nuances.
