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缑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
缑gōua tassel on a sword hilt; surnameg, 12 strokes, radical 纟
缑gōusurname Gouunknown, 12 strokes, radical 纟
gōu(Gou1)gou T1
  1. 1a tassel on a sword hilt; surname
Also a Chinese surname, Gou — see the Surname Dictionary
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March 24, 2026

缑(緱)gōu(Gou1)

The character 缑 (gōu) primarily refers to a decorative tassel found on a sword hilt, symbolizing elegance and martial tradition in Chinese culture. It can also be a surname, common in certain regions of China, indicating lineage or family heritage. In usage, it is often associated with historical contexts or martial arts.

Strokes12Radical纟
Cultural note

In ancient China, sword tassels like the 缑 were not only decorative but also served as a symbol of the warrior's status. The use of such adornments in martial arts reflects a deeper cultural appreciation for aesthetics in combat.

Memory tip

Imagine a stylish sword with a flowing tassel (the character 缑) swaying gently in the wind, emphasizing the elegance (gōu) of a warrior. The character has a silk radical (丝) that hints at its connection to fabric or decoration, reinforcing the idea of a tassel.

Meanings of 缑

gōu(Gou1)
1a tassel on a sword hilt; surname
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 缑

缑Simplified
緱Traditional
12Strokes
纟Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 缑

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AI study notes for 缑

Usage Notes

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation, making it more relevant in literary or historical contexts. Learners should be cautious of its pronunciation, as mispronouncing gōu could lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 'sword tassel' (剑缑).

HSK Study Tips

While 缑 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be useful for learners interested in traditional Chinese culture or literature. Students should focus on recognizing the character and understanding its historical significance, as well as practicing the pronunciation gōu.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 缑 with similar characters due to its uncommon usage. For instance, they might mistakenly use it in everyday contexts, where words like '装饰' (zhuāngshì, decoration) would be more appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 缑

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Etymology of 缑

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

silk

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

Origin

缑 = 纟 + 侯. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 缑

IDS Structure⿰纟侯
缑Full character
=
纟si1
left
侯Hou2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 缑?

How to say a tassel on a sword hilt; surname in Chinese

“a tassel on a sword hilt; surname” in Chinese is缑gōu

The character 缑 (gōu) primarily refers to a decorative tassel found on a sword hilt, symbolizing elegance and martial tradition in Chinese culture. It can also be a surname, common in certain regions of China, indicating lineage or family heritage. In usage, it is often associated with historical contexts or martial arts.

When to use 缑

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation, making it more relevant in literary or historical contexts. Learners should be cautious of its pronunciation, as mispronouncing gōu could lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 'sword tassel' (剑缑).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 缑 with similar characters due to its uncommon usage. For instance, they might mistakenly use it in everyday contexts, where words like '装饰' (zhuāngshì, decoration) would be more appropriate.

Write 缑

缑

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

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Word Family of 缑

Words containing this character1
缑gōusword緱

Frequently asked questions about 缑

In modern usage, 缑 is primarily recognized as a historical term related to sword decorations rather than a common word.

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