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March 24, 2026
枯kū(ku1)
The character 枯 (kū) refers to something that is dried up, withered, or decayed. It is often used in contexts involving plants, such as describing leaves that have dried out, but can also metaphorically apply to emotions or situations that have lost vitality.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#23174DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the imagery of withering plants often symbolizes the passage of time and the impermanence of life, reflecting deeper philosophical themes found in poetry and art.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree that has become so dry that its branches are like old, brittle sticks. The character 枯 visually suggests a tree (木) that is no longer living, emphasizing the idea of dryness and decay.
Meanings of 枯
kū(ku1)
1dried up
2dried out, withered, decayed
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 枯
枯Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#23174Frequency Rank
Podcast: 枯
Podcast: 枯
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AI Study Notes for 枯
Quick Contrast
枯 (kū) vs 干 (gān) — use 枯 for something that has withered or decayed, while 干 refers to something that is simply dry.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tree that has become so dry that its branches are like old, brittle sticks. The character 枯 visually suggests a tree (木) that is no longer living, emphasizing the idea of dryness and decay.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 枯 (kū) with similar-sounding words like 苦 (kǔ), which means bitter. This word is generally used in a neutral tone, but can take on a negative connotation when describing emotional states. Common collocations include 枯叶 (kū yè - dried leaves) and 枯萎 (kū wěi - to wither).
HSK Study Tips
While not part of the standard HSK vocabulary list, 枯 can be useful for intermediate learners interested in nature-related topics. Focus on recognizing its usage in descriptions of plants and emotions in literature.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the imagery of withering plants often symbolizes the passage of time and the impermanence of life, reflecting deeper philosophical themes found in poetry and art.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 枯 (kū) with similar-sounding characters. For example, they might mistakenly say '我感到苦' (wǒ gǎndào kǔ - I feel bitter) when they mean to express a sense of emotional dryness, which should be '我感到枯' (wǒ gǎndào kū).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 枯
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Grammar Patterns of 枯
枯 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
Complete the Sentence
他们时常陷入____燥的日常事务之中。
All too often they become enmeshed in deadening routines.
Example Sentences for 枯 (10)
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1
他们时常陷入枯燥的日常事务之中。
tā mén shí cháng xiàn rù kū zào de rì cháng shì wù zhī zhōng。
All too often they become enmeshed in deadening routines.
2
他写了一组非常单调枯燥的曲子。
tā xiě le yī zǔ fēi cháng dān tiáo kū zào de qū zǐ。
He has written a batch of very samey tunes.
3
上班时，他淹没在枯燥乏味的会海中。
shàng bān shí， ， tā yān méi zài kū zào fá wèi de huì hǎi。
At work, he was chained to a system of boring meetings.
4
原本显得沉闷枯燥的诗歌突然有了生气。
yuán běn xiǎn dé chén mèn kū zào de shī gē tū rán yǒu le shēng qì。
Poems which had seemed dull and boring suddenly came to life.
5
那是一份按部就班、枯燥乏味的无聊差事。
nà shì yī fèn àn bù jiù bān、 、 kū zào fá wèi de wú liáo chà。
It was a methodical, unexciting chore.
6
那是一堆枯燥乏味、毫无幽默感的废话。
nà shì yī duī kū zào fá wèi、 、 háo wú yōu mò gǎn de fèi。
If the soil is allowed to dry out the tree could die.
8
斯托克斯先生可以预见下一周会被枯燥繁重的宣传工作搞得焦头烂额。
sī tuō kè sī xiān shēng kě yǐ yù jiàn xià yī zhōu huì bèi kū zào fán zhòng de xuān chuán gōng zuò gǎo dé jiāo tóu làn é。
Mr Stocks can expect a gruelling week on the publicity treadmill.
9
叶子在酷热的阳光下容易枯黄。
yè zǐ zài kù rè de yáng guāng xià róng yì kū huáng。
The leaves are inclined to scorch in hot sunshine.
10
玫瑰花开败后就把枯花摘去。
méi guī huā kāi bài hòu jiù bǎ kū huā zhāi qù。
Dead-head roses as the blooms fade.
Cultural Notes for 枯
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the imagery of withering plants often symbolizes the passage of time and the impermanence of life, reflecting deeper philosophical themes found in poetry and art.
Word Family of 枯
Compounds1
喖
Words Containing This Character17
枯燥kūzàodry and dull
枯kūdried up
枯萎kūwěito wilt
枯竭used up
干枯withered乾枯
海枯石烂fig. forever海枯石爛
枯水期period of low water level (winter in north China)
枯草dry grass
枯干withered枯乾
枯水scarce water
枯木dead tree
枯燥无味tedious枯燥無味
枯叶dead leaf枯葉
枯槁withered
枯萎病blight
枯草杆菌bacillus subtilis枯草桿菌
枯木逢春to be revived
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 枯燥 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 枯
The pronunciation is kū, with a high and level tone.
Yes, it can metaphorically describe emotions as withered or lifeless, such as feeling 枯燥 (kū zào - dull, tedious).
Common phrases include 枯叶 (kū yè - dried leaves) and 枯萎 (kū wěi - to wither).
