Meanings of 矻
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 矻
Podcast: 矻
Podcast: 矻
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 矻
This character is often used in a literary or formal context. Be careful with the pronunciation, as it can be confused with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 矻矻 (kū kū), which emphasizes the state of being busy or toiling continuously.
Although 矻 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it relates to other characters about work and effort at higher levels. Focus on recognizing its use in literary contexts and pairing it with more commonly used words to enhance comprehension.
Learners often confuse 矻 with other characters that have similar sounds or meanings, such as 努 (nǔ, to strive). A common mistake is using it inappropriately in casual conversation; it’s best reserved for written forms or formal speech.
Pronunciation of 矻
Drill the tone of 矻 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 矻
stone
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 矻
- 1The meaning half石 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half乞 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaystone
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 矻? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 矻?
Decomposition of 矻
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 矻?
How to say busy; to toil, to slave away in Chinese
“busy; to toil, to slave away” in Chinese is矻
The character 矻 (kū) conveys the idea of being busy or toiling away, often associated with hard work or labor. It can also imply a sense of drudgery or being overworked, making it relevant in discussions about work ethics and labor practices.
When to use 矻
This character is often used in a literary or formal context. Be careful with the pronunciation, as it can be confused with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 矻矻 (kū kū), which emphasizes the state of being busy or toiling continuously.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 矻 with other characters that have similar sounds or meanings, such as 努 (nǔ, to strive). A common mistake is using it inappropriately in casual conversation; it’s best reserved for written forms or formal speech.
Write 矻
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 矻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 矻
Compound Meaning
What does 矻 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 矻
It can describe someone who is working hard, such as '他在田里矻矻忙碌' (He is busy toiling in the fields).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 矻?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.