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March 24, 2026
柯kē(Ke1)
The character 柯 (kē) primarily refers to an axe-handle or the stem of a plant. It can also be used as a surname in Chinese culture, specifically the surname Ke. In usage, it may be encountered in contexts relating to tools or branches of trees.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#5881DifficultyHard
Cultural note
The surname 柯 (Ke) holds significance in Chinese genealogies and can be found among notable historical figures. It also reflects the importance of nature and craftsmanship in Chinese culture.
Memory tip
Imagine an axe leaning against the tree, where the handle (柯) is the connection between the sturdy axe and the trunk. The character's left radical 木 (tree) suggests its relationship with wood, while the right part can resemble a simplified handle, enhancing the memory of its meaning.
Meanings of 柯
kē(Ke1)
1axe-handle, bough, stalk; surname
2stem
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 柯 means.
About 柯
柯Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 柯
Podcast: 柯
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AI study notes for 柯
Usage Notes
柯 is generally used in more formal contexts, especially when referring to tools or botanical terms. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters with different meanings. In collocation, it is often paired with words relating to gardening or woodworking.
HSK Study Tips
Although 柯 is not part of the official HSK syllabus, it connects with other words related to nature (like 树, tree) that students may encounter. Focusing on the radicals can aid in understanding and memorizing this character.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 柯 (kē) with other characters like 科 (kē), which means 'subject' or 'branch of study'. To avoid this, remember that 柯 relates to tools and nature, while 科 is more academic.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柯
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 柯 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.
柯 = 木 + 可. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 柯
IDS Structure⿰木可
柯Full character
=
木Mu4
left
可ke3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 柯?
How to say surname Ke in Chinese
“surname Ke” in Chinese is柯kē
The character 柯 (kē) primarily refers to an axe-handle or the stem of a plant. It can also be used as a surname in Chinese culture, specifically the surname Ke. In usage, it may be encountered in contexts relating to tools or branches of trees.
When to use 柯
柯 is generally used in more formal contexts, especially when referring to tools or botanical terms. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters with different meanings. In collocation, it is often paired with words relating to gardening or woodworking.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 柯 (kē) with other characters like 科 (kē), which means 'subject' or 'branch of study'. To avoid this, remember that 柯 relates to tools and nature, while 科 is more academic.
Write 柯
柯
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Practice writing 柯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 柯
柯 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 4 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.
____林斯在采访还没开始时就暴躁不安起来。
Collins was in a foul mood even before the interviews began.
Example sentences for 柯 (10)
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1
柯林斯在采访还没开始时就暴躁不安起来。
kē lín Sī zài cǎifǎng hái méi kāishǐ shí jiù bàozào bù’ān qǐlái。
Collins was in a foul mood even before the interviews began.
2
在电影摄制过程中，柯蒂斯爱上了同他联袂主演的明星克里斯汀·考夫曼。
zài diànyǐng shè zhì guòchéng zhōng， kē dì Sī ài shàng le tóng tā lián mèi zhǔyǎn de míngxīng kè lǐ Sī tīng· kǎo fū màn。
During the filming, Curtis fell in love with his co-star, Christine Kaufmann.
3
几年来，尤尔和柯克偶遇了很多次。
jǐ nián lái， yóu ěr hé kē kè ǒu yù le hěn duōcì。
Over the years, Yul and Kirk had crossed paths many times.
Suppose you just tell Clellan to collect a few each morning.
9
主人公丹尼与柯克·道格拉斯出奇地相像。
zhǔréngōng dān ní yǔ kē kè· dào gé lā Sī chū jī dì Xiāng xiàng。
The hero, Danny, bears an uncanny resemblance to Kirk Douglas.
10
那条狗可爱极了，是柯利牧羊犬和金毛猎犬的杂交品种。
nà tiáo gǒu kě’ài jíle， shì kē lì mù yáng quǎn hé jīn máo lièquǎn de zájiāo pǐnzhǒng。
It was a lovely dog. It was a cross between a collie and a golden retriever.
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Word Family of 柯
Words containing this character11
柯kēstem
柯达Kodak (brand, US film company)柯達
柯林斯Collins (name)
斯柯达Škoda, Czech Republic car manufacturer, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group斯柯達
柯林Colin (name)
古柯(botany) coca (source of cocaine)
福柯Michel Foucault (1926-1984), French philosopher
柯尔克孜Kyrghiz ethnic group of Xinjiang柯爾克孜
柯棣华Dwarkanath Kotnis (1910-1942), one of five Indian doctors sent to China to provide medical assistance during the Second Sino-Japanese War柯棣華
柯尔克孜族Kyrghiz ethnic group of Xinjiang柯爾克孜族
南柯一梦lit. a dream of Nanke南柯一夢
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 柯
What does 柯达 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 柯
In everyday language, 柯 usually refers to an axe-handle or a branch. It is not commonly used in regular conversation but may appear in specific contexts.
柯 is pronounced as 'kē', with a high level tone. Using the correct tone is important to distinguish it from other characters.
Yes, 柯 is a recognized surname in China, though not as common as others like Wang or Li.
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