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羧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
suōcarboxyl groupn, 13 strokes, radical 羊, Very Hard
suōcarboxyl radical (chemistry)unknown, 13 strokes, radical 羊, Very Hard
suō(suo1) T1
  1. 1carboxyl group
  2. 2carboxyl radical (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026
suō(suo1)

The character 羧 (suō) refers to the carboxyl group, a functional group in organic chemistry consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group. It is commonly encountered in the context of organic compounds such as carboxylic acids. Understanding this term is essential for students studying chemistry, particularly organic chemistry.

Strokes13RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese education, the study of chemistry, including the carboxyl group, is emphasized in high school and university curricula, reflecting the importance of science and technology in contemporary Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a car (the 'car' part of 'carboxyl') with a big 'X' on its side representing the double bond to oxygen and a water droplet symbolizing the hydroxyl part hanging off it. This visual helps recall that 羧 is about the carboxyl group in chemistry, represented by the sound 'suō'.

Meanings of 羧

suō(suo1)
1carboxyl group
2carboxyl radical (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 羧

Simplified
13Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 羧

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 羧

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a car (the 'car' part of 'carboxyl') with a big 'X' on its side representing the double bond to oxygen and a water droplet symbolizing the hydroxyl part hanging off it. This visual helps recall that 羧 is about the carboxyl group in chemistry, represented by the sound 'suō'.

Usage Notes

When discussing chemistry, use 羧 in formal contexts, especially in academic writing or lectures. It is often paired with words like '酸' (sour or acid) to form '羧酸' (carboxylic acid). Be careful with the tone; 'suō' is pronounced with the first tone, which can be confused with other words if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

Although 羧 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners pursuing advanced studies in chemistry, particularly at the university level. Focus on understanding its role in organic chemistry and its relationship with other functional groups.

Cultural Note

In Chinese education, the study of chemistry, including the carboxyl group, is emphasized in high school and university curricula, reflecting the importance of science and technology in contemporary Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 羧 with similar-sounding characters like '锁' (suǒ, lock) or '所' (suǒ, place), leading to errors in pronunciation. Always remember that 羧 has a high tone (suō) and is a specialized term in chemistry.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 羧

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Etymology of 羧

Decomposition of 羧

IDS Structure⿰羊夋
Full Character
=
Yang2
left
qun1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 羧?

Write 羧

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

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Grammar Patterns of 羧

羧 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

在三____酸循环中天冬氨酸可以被分解.

Aspartic acid can be broken down in the KREBS CYCLE.

Example Sentences for 羧 (1)

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1
在三羧酸循环中天冬氨酸可以被分解.

zài sān suō suān xún huán zhōng tiān dōng ān suān kě yǐ bèi fēn jiě.

Aspartic acid can be broken down in the KREBS CYCLE.

Cultural Notes for 羧

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese education, the study of chemistry, including the carboxyl group, is emphasized in high school and university curricula, reflecting the importance of science and technology in contemporary Chinese society.

Word Family of 羧

Words Containing This Character3
suōcarboxyl radical (chemistry)
羧基carboxyl group -COOH
羧酸carboxylic acid
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 羧 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 羧

It means 'carboxyl group', a key concept in chemistry.