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March 24, 2026
構gòu(gou4)
The character 構 (gòu) means to compose or make something, often referring to the structural aspect of buildings or frameworks. It is commonly used in contexts relating to architecture, engineering, and organization, indicating how elements fit together to form a whole.
Strokes14Radical木Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of structure is significant in traditional architecture, such as in pagodas, where balance and harmony in design reflect philosophical ideals. The character encapsulates this connection to building and organization in life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant tree (木) that has been crafted into a beautiful structure (构) — it stands strong and composed. The character has a tree radical (木) at its core, suggesting the building materials used in construction, while the rest of the character implies the act of creating or composing.
Meanings of 構
gòu(gou4)
1to compose, to make; building, frame, structure
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 構
構Simplified
14Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 構
Podcast: 構
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AI Study Notes for 構
Quick Contrast
构 (gòu) vs 造 (zào): Use 構 when emphasizing structure or composition, while 造 focuses more on the act of creating or manufacturing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant tree (木) that has been crafted into a beautiful structure (构) — it stands strong and composed. The character has a tree radical (木) at its core, suggesting the building materials used in construction, while the rest of the character implies the act of creating or composing.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in formal contexts, such as in academic or professional discussions about architecture. Be mindful of its tonal pronunciation, as 'gòu' can be confused with similar-sounding words; practice distinguishing it in sentences.
HSK Study Tips
While 構 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to related words like 建筑 (jiànzhù, architecture) and 结构 (jiégòu, structure). Focus on its usage in compound words to strengthen understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of structure is significant in traditional architecture, such as in pagodas, where balance and harmony in design reflect philosophical ideals. The character encapsulates this connection to building and organization in life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 構 with similar characters like 购 (gòu, to buy) due to the similar pronunciation. Remember that 構 relates to structure and composition, while 购 is about purchasing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 構
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Cultural Notes for 構
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of structure is significant in traditional architecture, such as in pagodas, where balance and harmony in design reflect philosophical ideals. The character encapsulates this connection to building and organization in life.
Word Family of 構
Words Containing This Character20
机构jīgòumechanism機構
结构jiégòustructure結構
构成gòuchéngto form構成
虚构xūgòuto make up虛構
构建gòujiànto construct (sth abstract)構建
构思gòusīto design構思
构造gòuzàostructure構造
构想gòuxiǎngto conceive構想
构gòuto form構
架构to construct架構
构筑to build構築
结构性structural結構性
建构to set up建構
构图(art) composition構圖
重构to reconstruct重構
构件member構件
构架structure構架
慈善机构charity慈善機構
专门机构specialized agency專門機構
构型structure構型
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 机构 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 構
Common phrases include 结构 (jiégòu, structure) and 构思 (gòusī, conception or design).
It is more frequently found in formal writing or discussions about architecture and engineering than in casual conversation.
Link it to the word 'go' in English, as in 'go build something strong and composed'.
