Meanings of 羔
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About 羔
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Podcast: 羔
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AI Study Notes for 羔
羔 (lamb) vs 羊 (sheep) — use 羔 for young sheep specifically, while 羊 refers to the adult sheep.
While '羔' is more specific to lambs, it is important not to confuse it with '羊' (yáng), which refers to sheep in general. This character is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in literature or menus, and learners should be mindful of using the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.
Although 羔 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it is beneficial for learners at higher levels to understand agricultural terms like this. Focus on its usage in culinary contexts as well as its connection to other animal-related vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 羔 with 羊, mistakenly using 羊 when they specifically mean lamb, as in '我喜欢羊肉' (I like lamb meat), which should be corrected to '我喜欢羔肉' to specify lamb.
Pronunciation of 羔
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Jason Explains 羔 to You
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Learning Lab
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 羔
Phonosemantic compound. 羊 represents the meaning and 灬 represents the sound.
sheep
Origin
羔 = 羊 + 灬. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 羔
Parts
Which of these is part of 羔?
How to say lamb in Chinese
“lamb” in Chinese is羔
The character 羔 (gāo) specifically refers to a young sheep or lamb. It is commonly used in culinary contexts, especially in dishes that feature lamb meat, and can also appear in discussions surrounding agriculture and livestock.
When to use 羔
While '羔' is more specific to lambs, it is important not to confuse it with '羊' (yáng), which refers to sheep in general. This character is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in literature or menus, and learners should be mindful of using the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.
羔 or something close to it
羔 (lamb) vs 羊 (sheep) — use 羔 for young sheep specifically, while 羊 refers to the adult sheep.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 羔 with 羊, mistakenly using 羊 when they specifically mean lamb, as in '我喜欢羊肉' (I like lamb meat), which should be corrected to '我喜欢羔肉' to specify lamb.
Write 羔
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Practice writing 羔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 羔
羔 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
一只大野猫在捕杀了58只羊____后遭到猎捕。
A giant wildcat is being hunted after 58 lambs were butchered.
Example Sentences for 羔 (8)
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Word Family of 羔
Words with 羔
What does 羔羊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 羔
No, 羔 is more frequently found in formal contexts or specific culinary discussions rather than in casual conversation.
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