unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #32399, Very Hard
钴
gǔ
Taiwan pr. [gu1]
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #32399, Very Hard
gǔ(gu3) T3
1cobalt; clothes-iron
2cobalt (chemistry)
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March 24, 2026
钴(鈷)gǔ(gu3)
The character 钴 (gǔ) refers to cobalt, a chemical element used in various applications such as batteries and pigments. In some contexts, it can also relate to the term for clothes-iron, reflecting its metallic properties. This character is primarily used in scientific and industrial contexts.
Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#32399DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Cobalt is significant in Chinese industry, especially in battery production and ceramics, connecting to China’s advancements in technology and manufacturing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a blue cobalt-colored coat hanging on an iron clothes rack. The blue color reminds you of the 'gǔ' sound, as cobalt is often associated with blue pigments in art and industry.
Meanings of 钴
gǔ(gu3)
1cobalt; clothes-iron
2cobalt (chemistry)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 钴
钴Simplified
鈷Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 钴
Podcast: 钴
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AI Study Notes for 钴
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a blue cobalt-colored coat hanging on an iron clothes rack. The blue color reminds you of the 'gǔ' sound, as cobalt is often associated with blue pigments in art and industry.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 钴 (gǔ) with other metal-related characters such as 铁 (tiě, iron) or 铜 (tóng, copper). It is primarily used in formal or technical contexts, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. It often collocates with words related to chemistry and materials science.
HSK Study Tips
Though 钴 (gǔ) is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 3 terms related to metals and science. Students should focus on recognizing the character in scientific texts and understanding its pronunciation.
Cultural Note
Cobalt is significant in Chinese industry, especially in battery production and ceramics, connecting to China’s advancements in technology and manufacturing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 钴 (gǔ) with 锅 (guō, pot) due to similar phonetics. Remember, 钴 specifically refers to cobalt, while 锅 relates to kitchenware.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钴
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Cultural Notes for 钴
🏮Cultural insight
Cobalt is significant in Chinese industry, especially in battery production and ceramics, connecting to China’s advancements in technology and manufacturing.
Word Family of 钴
Words Containing This Character1
钴gǔTaiwan pr. [gū]鈷
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 钴 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钴
钴 is primarily used in the production of batteries and pigments.
钴 is pronounced as gǔ, with a falling tone.
Yes, 钴 (gǔ) can sometimes be confused with characters like 估 (gū, to estimate) due to similar pronunciation.
