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槔 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
槔gāopulleyx, 14 strokes, radical 木
槔gāowater pulleyunknown, 14 strokes, radical 木
gāo(gao1)gao T1
  1. 1pulley
  2. 2water pulley
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March 24, 2026

槔gāo(gao1)

The character 槔 (gāo) refers to a type of pulley, specifically used for lifting water. It is commonly found in agricultural contexts, where it is utilized to draw water from wells or rivers for irrigation or other purposes. The term is less frequently used in modern contexts but still holds importance in traditional practices.

Strokes14Radical木
Cultural note

In ancient Chinese society, water pulleys were crucial for irrigation and farming. The use of such tools reflects the deep agricultural roots of Chinese culture and emphasizes the importance of water management in rural life.

Memory tip

Imagine a tall 'gāo' (gouging out) pulley that helps lift water high into the air. The character 槔 has a tree radical (木), suggesting its connection to nature, while the sound 'gāo' can remind you of 'growing' plants that need water.

Meanings of 槔

gāo(gao1)
1pulley
2water pulley
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 槔

槔Simplified
14Strokes
木Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 槔

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Podcast: 槔

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AI Study Notes for 槔

Usage Notes

When using 槔, it's important to note that it is more common in rural or historical contexts. Avoid using it in modern urban discussions about technology or machinery, as other terms like '起重机' (crane) may be more appropriate. Be cautious with the tone; the word is pronounced with the high-level tone (gāo), which can be confused with other similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

Given that 槔 is at an unknown HSK level, learners should focus on understanding its practical applications in traditional settings. It connects to other words related to agriculture and water management, which may appear in higher levels of HSK, especially in reading comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 槔 with other similar-sounding words. For example, mistaking it for '高' (gāo), which means 'high', is common. Remember that 槔 specifically refers to a type of pulley related to water.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 槔

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Etymology of 槔

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

wood

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)皋
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

槔 = 木 + 皋. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 槔

IDS Structure⿰木皋
槔Full character
=
木Mu4
left
皋gao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 槔?

How to say pulley in Chinese

“pulley” in Chinese is槔gāo

The character 槔 (gāo) refers to a type of pulley, specifically used for lifting water. It is commonly found in agricultural contexts, where it is utilized to draw water from wells or rivers for irrigation or other purposes. The term is less frequently used in modern contexts but still holds importance in traditional practices.

When to use 槔

When using 槔, it's important to note that it is more common in rural or historical contexts. Avoid using it in modern urban discussions about technology or machinery, as other terms like '起重机' (crane) may be more appropriate. Be cautious with the tone; the word is pronounced with the high-level tone (gāo), which can be confused with other similar-sounding words.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 槔 with other similar-sounding words. For example, mistaking it for '高' (gāo), which means 'high', is common. Remember that 槔 specifically refers to a type of pulley related to water.

Write 槔

槔

Practice writing 槔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 槔

Words containing this character1
槔gāowater pulley

Frequently Asked Questions about 槔

It is primarily used to describe a specific type of pulley for lifting water, especially in agricultural contexts.

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