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溘 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
溘kèsudden, abrupt, unexpectedi, 13 strokes, radical 氵
溘kèsuddenlyunknown, 13 strokes, radical 氵
kè(ke4)ke T4
  1. 1sudden, abrupt, unexpected
  2. 2suddenly
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March 24, 2026

溘kè(ke4)

The character 溘 (kè) is used to describe something that happens suddenly or unexpectedly. It conveys a sense of abruptness and can be used in various contexts, such as describing changes in situations or emotions that occur without warning.

Strokes13Radical氵
Cultural Note

In Chinese literature, sudden events often symbolize fate or destiny, reflecting the cultural belief in the unpredictability of life. The character 溘 can be seen in poems or stories where characters experience sudden revelations or changes.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sudden splash in a calm pond, where the water bursts forth unexpectedly, representing the abruptness of 溘 (kè). The character's radical 水 (water) hints at sudden changes, like a wave crashing unexpectedly.

Meanings of 溘

kè(ke4)
1sudden, abrupt, unexpected
2suddenly
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 溘

溘Simplified
13Strokes
氵Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 溘

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Podcast: 溘

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AI Study Notes for 溘

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 溘 with similar-sounding words. It is typically used in more formal contexts, so using it in casual conversation may come off as overly dramatic. Be aware of the tone; using it incorrectly can change the meaning significantly.

HSK Study Tips

Although not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 溘 can enhance your comprehension of more advanced texts. Focus on the contexts where abruptness is emphasized, and practice with phrases that convey sudden changes.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 溘 with 突然 (tūrán), which also means 'sudden'. An incorrect usage might be saying '我很溘高兴' (I am very sudden happy), when it should be '我突然很高兴' (I suddenly feel very happy).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 溘

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Etymology of 溘

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

water

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

Origin

溘 = 氵 + 盍. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 溘

IDS Structure⿰氵盍
溘Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
盍he2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 溘?

How to say sudden, abrupt, unexpected in Chinese

“sudden, abrupt, unexpected” in Chinese is溘kè

The character 溘 (kè) is used to describe something that happens suddenly or unexpectedly. It conveys a sense of abruptness and can be used in various contexts, such as describing changes in situations or emotions that occur without warning.

When to use 溘

Learners often confuse 溘 with similar-sounding words. It is typically used in more formal contexts, so using it in casual conversation may come off as overly dramatic. Be aware of the tone; using it incorrectly can change the meaning significantly.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 溘 with 突然 (tūrán), which also means 'sudden'. An incorrect usage might be saying '我很溘高兴' (I am very sudden happy), when it should be '我突然很高兴' (I suddenly feel very happy).

Write 溘

溘

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

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Word Family of 溘

Words Containing This Character3
溘然suddenly
溘kèsuddenly
溘先朝露the morning dew will swiftly dissipate (idiom); fig. ephemeral and precarious nature of human existence
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 溘

What does 溘然 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 溘

Phrases like '突然溘然' (tūrán kè rán), meaning 'suddenly and unexpectedly,' highlight its use.

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