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March 24, 2026
苟Gǒu(Gou3)
The character 苟 (gǒu) has multiple meanings, primarily serving as a surname and also as a conditional word meaning 'if' or 'supposing.' Additionally, it implies carelessness or negligence, often used in contexts discussing temporary or frivolous actions. Its nuanced meanings can vary based on context, particularly in literary or colloquial expressions.
Strokes8Radical艹Frequency#17297DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the character 苟 often appears in philosophical texts, reflecting on themes of carelessness and the ephemeral nature of life. This connects to traditional views on mindfulness and the importance of living with intention.
Memory Tip
Imagine a careless dog (狗, gǒu) that is only concerned about temporary pleasures, like chasing a butterfly. The character 苟 combines the radical for grass (艹) on top, suggesting something fragile or fleeting, with the phonetic component 'gǒu,' reminding you of the dog’s carelessness.
Meanings of 苟
Gǒu(Gou3)
1if
2supposing
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 苟
苟Simplified
8Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#17297Frequency Rank
Podcast: 苟
Podcast: 苟
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AI Study Notes for 苟
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a careless dog (狗, gǒu) that is only concerned about temporary pleasures, like chasing a butterfly. The character 苟 combines the radical for grass (艹) on top, suggesting something fragile or fleeting, with the phonetic component 'gǒu,' reminding you of the dog’s carelessness.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 苟 with similar-sounding characters, leading to misuse in sentences. It is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts rather than casual conversation. Be careful with tone; a mispronounced gǒu could lead to misunderstandings, especially in conditional statements.
HSK Study Tips
Although 苟 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, its meanings can help learners connect with other conditional phrases or words expressing negligence. Focus on how it can be used in hypothetical scenarios and practice forming sentences to reinforce understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the character 苟 often appears in philosophical texts, reflecting on themes of carelessness and the ephemeral nature of life. This connects to traditional views on mindfulness and the importance of living with intention.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 苟 with the character 狗 (gǒu), which means 'dog.' For example, saying '我苟去' instead of '我狗去' (I go with the dog) can lead to confusion. Ensure to differentiate their meanings and contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 苟
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Grammar Patterns of 苟
苟 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 7 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 4
Complete the Sentence
我明白你的观点，但恐怕我不能____同。
I see your point but I'm not sure I agree with you.
He would rather be killed in a race than die a lingering death in hospital.
Cultural Notes for 苟
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, the character 苟 often appears in philosophical texts, reflecting on themes of carelessness and the ephemeral nature of life. This connects to traditional views on mindfulness and the importance of living with intention.
Word Family of 苟
Words Containing This Character13
苟Gǒuif
一丝不苟yìsībùgǒumeticulous一絲不苟
苟延残喘to struggle on whilst at death's door (idiom)苟延殘喘
苟同to agree blindly
不敢苟同to beg to differ (idiom)
苟且perfunctory
苟且偷生to drift and live without purpose (idiom); to drag out an ignoble existence
不苟not lax
苟安taking things easily without attending to responsibilities
苟且偷安taking things easily without attending to responsibilities
苟存to drift through life
一笔不苟lit. not even one stroke is negligent (idiom)一筆不苟
未敢苟同can't agree with
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 苟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 苟
It can express a conditional situation, like 'if' or 'supposing,' or describe actions that are careless or temporary.
Yes, 苟 (Gǒu) is a less common surname compared to many others but still recognized in Chinese society.
Focus on associating it with carelessness or conditionality in hypothetical situations, and practice using it in sentences.
