Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
笱 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
gǒua basket trap for fishzg, 11 strokes, radical ⺮, Very Hard
gǒubasket for trapping fishunknown, 11 strokes, radical ⺮, Very Hard
gǒu(gou3) T3
  1. 1a basket trap for fish
  2. 2basket for trapping fish
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
gǒu(gou3)

The character 笱 (gǒu) refers to a type of basket trap specifically used for catching fish. This traditional fishing tool is typically made from woven materials and is placed in water to lure and trap fish. It is commonly used in rural areas and embodies techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Strokes11RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, traditional fishing methods like using 笱 are important for subsistence in rural communities, reflecting a connection to nature and the environment. This practice highlights the significance of resourcefulness in farming and fishing lifestyles.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'basket' (the shape of 笱) that is 'gathering' fish. The character looks like a fish swimming into a woven net, and the sound 'gǒu' can remind you of 'go catch fish!'

Meanings of 笱

gǒu(gou3)
1a basket trap for fish
2basket for trapping fish
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 笱

Simplified
11Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 笱

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 笱

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'basket' (the shape of 笱) that is 'gathering' fish. The character looks like a fish swimming into a woven net, and the sound 'gǒu' can remind you of 'go catch fish!'

Usage Notes

This term is quite specific and may not be used in everyday conversation among urban dwellers. Be cautious with the tone; 'gǒu' (3rd tone) is distinct from similar-sounding words that have different meanings. It's often paired with verbs like 'catch' (抓) or 'use' (用).

HSK Study Tips

Although 笱 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners interested in fishing or traditional practices. Students should focus on related vocabulary in fishing or rural life contexts to enhance their understanding.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, traditional fishing methods like using 笱 are important for subsistence in rural communities, reflecting a connection to nature and the environment. This practice highlights the significance of resourcefulness in farming and fishing lifestyles.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 笱 with other characters that have similar sounds or meanings, such as '网' (wǎng), which means 'net'. Remember that 笱 specifically refers to a basket trap, not a general fishing tool.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 笱

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 笱

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

bamboo

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 笱?

Decomposition of 笱

IDS Structure⿱⺮句
Full Character
=
zhu2
top
gou1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 笱?

Write 笱

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

Cultural Notes for 笱

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, traditional fishing methods like using 笱 are important for subsistence in rural communities, reflecting a connection to nature and the environment. This practice highlights the significance of resourcefulness in farming and fishing lifestyles.

Word Family of 笱

Words Containing This Character1
gǒubasket for trapping fish
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 笱 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 笱

笱 is used as a basket trap for catching fish, commonly found in rural fishing practices.