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篙 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
篙gāoa pole used to punt a boatng, 16 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #81089, Very Hard
篙gāopole for punting boatsunknown, 16 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #81089, Very Hard
gāo(gao1) T1
  1. 1a pole used to punt a boat
  2. 2pole for punting boats
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March 24, 2026

篙gāo(gao1)

The character 篙 (gāo) refers to a long pole traditionally used in boating, especially for punting or propelling a boat through shallow waters. It is often associated with activities on rivers or lakes in China where such poles are necessary for navigation. The term may also evoke imagery of leisure and traditional water transport.

Strokes16Radical⺮Frequency#81089DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the use of a 篙 is deeply rooted in the tradition of river transport, especially in regions like Jiangnan, where boating is a common means of travel and trade. The character reflects the relationship between nature and daily life in these areas.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tall, sturdy pole (the 篙) used by a boatman to push his vessel forward in a serene lake. The character features the radical ' bamboo' (竹), reminiscent of the pole's material, aiding in remembering both its shape and usage as a punting tool.

Meanings of 篙

gāo(gao1)
1a pole used to punt a boat
2pole for punting boats
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 篙

篙Simplified
16Strokes
⺮Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 篙

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Podcast: 篙

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AI Study Notes for 篙

Usage Notes

When using 篙, it's important to be aware that it is more common in specific contexts such as traditional boating, and may not be understood in more modern or urban settings. Learners might confuse it with similar-sounding words, so practicing pronunciation and context is essential.

HSK Study Tips

Although 篙 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with HSK Level 2 words related to water and transportation. Students should focus on recognizing the radical and understanding its application in boating and outdoor contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistake 篙 for similar-sounding words like 高 (gāo, meaning 'tall'). To avoid confusion, remember that 篙 is specifically related to boating, while 高 refers to height.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 篙

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Etymology of 篙

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

bamboo

Semantic (meaning)⺮
+
Phonetic (sound)高
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 篙

  1. 1The meaning half⺮ carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half高 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaybamboo
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 篙? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 篙?

Decomposition of 篙

IDS Structure⿱⺮高
篙Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
高Gao1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 篙?

How to say a pole used to punt a boat in Chinese

“a pole used to punt a boat” in Chinese is篙gāo

The character 篙 (gāo) refers to a long pole traditionally used in boating, especially for punting or propelling a boat through shallow waters. It is often associated with activities on rivers or lakes in China where such poles are necessary for navigation. The term may also evoke imagery of leisure and traditional water transport.

When to use 篙

When using 篙, it's important to be aware that it is more common in specific contexts such as traditional boating, and may not be understood in more modern or urban settings. Learners might confuse it with similar-sounding words, so practicing pronunciation and context is essential.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistake 篙 for similar-sounding words like 高 (gāo, meaning 'tall'). To avoid confusion, remember that 篙 is specifically related to boating, while 高 refers to height.

Write 篙

篙

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 篙

Words Containing This Character1
篙gāopole for punting boats
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 篙 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 篙

篙 means 'a pole used to punt a boat'.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 篙?

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.