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痤 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
cuóa swelling of the lymph nodesn, 12 strokes, radical 疒, Very Hard
cuóacneunknown, 12 strokes, radical 疒, Very Hard
cuó(cuo2) T2
  1. 1a swelling of the lymph nodes
  2. 2acne
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March 24, 2026
cuó(cuo2)

The character 痤 (cuó) refers specifically to a physical condition characterized by the swelling of lymph nodes or, in a more common context, acne. It is often used in medical discussions or when describing skin conditions, particularly related to inflammation and infection.

Strokes12RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions like acne are believed to be linked to internal imbalances, and discussions around 痤 may often involve dietary or lifestyle recommendations to restore harmony.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'swollen' face with acne where the skin looks like a 'crown' of bumps, which helps you remember that 痤 (cuó) relates to swelling and skin issues. The left part of the character (疒) signifies illness, while the right part (佐) can remind you of 'supporting' the body's healing process.

Meanings of 痤

cuó(cuo2)
1a swelling of the lymph nodes
2acne
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 痤

Simplified
12Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 痤

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 痤

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'swollen' face with acne where the skin looks like a 'crown' of bumps, which helps you remember that 痤 (cuó) relates to swelling and skin issues. The left part of the character (疒) signifies illness, while the right part (佐) can remind you of 'supporting' the body's healing process.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 痤 with other skin-related terms such as 痘 (dòu) for pimple or acne; it's important to use 痤 specifically for swollen lymph nodes or larger acne. It is more commonly used in medical contexts, so it may sound formal in casual conversation.

HSK Study Tips

Although 痤 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be useful to understand related medical vocabulary at this level. Focusing on terminology connected to health and body can enhance comprehension of this character and its usage.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions like acne are believed to be linked to internal imbalances, and discussions around 痤 may often involve dietary or lifestyle recommendations to restore harmony.

Common Mistakes

Learners might mistakenly use 痤 when referring to minor skin blemishes or temporary irritations, which is inaccurate. For instance, saying '我有痤' (I have acne) can be misleading if referring to a small pimple; it's better to specify with 痘 (dòu).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 痤

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Etymology of 痤

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

sickness

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 痤?

Decomposition of 痤

IDS Structure⿸疒坐
Full Character
=
ne4
enclosing
Zuo4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 痤?

Write 痤

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 痤

痤 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 2

Complete the Sentence

严重的惊吓会造成____疮突发。

Severe shock can bring on an attack of acne.

Example Sentences for 痤 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
严重的惊吓会造成痤疮突发。

yán zhòng de jīng xià huì zào chéng cuó chuāng tū fā。

Severe shock can bring on an attack of acne.

Cultural Notes for 痤

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions like acne are believed to be linked to internal imbalances, and discussions around 痤 may often involve dietary or lifestyle recommendations to restore harmony.

Word Family of 痤

Words Containing This Character2
痤疮acne痤瘡
cuóacne
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 痤疮 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 痤

No, 痤 is more common in medical contexts and discussions about health.