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一锅粥 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
一锅粥yīguōzhōu(lit.) a pot of porridgeHSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #31385, Very Hard
一锅粥yīguōzhōu(fig.) a complete messHSK 7, unknown, 25 strokes, rank #31385, Very Hard
yīguōzhōu(yi1guo1zhou1)yi guo zhou T1
  1. 1(lit.) a pot of porridge
  2. 2(fig.) a complete mess
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March 24, 2026

一锅粥(一鍋粥)yīguōzhōu(yi1guo1zhou1)

一锅粥 (yī guō zhōu) literally means 'a pot of porridge.' It is often used figuratively to describe a situation that is chaotic or a complete mess. This phrase can refer to disorganized circumstances or confusion in various contexts, such as work or relationships.

Strokes25Frequency#31385DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, porridge (粥) is a common comfort food, often associated with warmth and care. The phrase captures the idea that sometimes even the most comforting situations can turn into chaos.

Memory tip

Imagine a big pot of porridge bubbling over and spilling everywhere, creating a mess in the kitchen. The '一' (yī) represents one pot, while '锅' (guō) looks like a bowl, and '粥' (zhōu) sounds similar to 'chew,' as if you're trying to chew through a thick, messy porridge.

Meanings of 一锅粥

yīguōzhōu(yi1guo1zhou1)
1(lit.) a pot of porridge
2(fig.) a complete mess
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About 一锅粥

一锅粥Simplified
一鍋粥Traditional
25Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 一锅粥

Usage Notes

Learners should be cautious with the context in which they use this phrase; it's informal and can come off as negative. It's often used in spoken language rather than formal writing. Be aware of the tone when discussing sensitive topics to avoid sounding overly critical.

HSK Study Tips

This phrase is not specifically tied to a particular HSK level, but it can be useful for intermediate learners looking to expand their idiomatic expressions. Students should focus on understanding context and usage to navigate conversations effectively.

Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse the literal and figurative meanings, using it inappropriately. For instance, saying '一锅粥' to describe a well-organized event would be incorrect; a better choice might be '井井有条' (jǐng jǐng yǒu tiáo) for well-organized.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 一锅粥

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Component characters

一yīone
HSK 11 strokes一
View full entry
锅guōpot
HSK 512 strokes钅
View full entry
粥yùcongee
HSK 612 strokes米
View full entry

How to say (lit.) a pot of porridge in Chinese

“(lit.) a pot of porridge” in Chinese is一锅粥yīguōzhōu

一锅粥 (yī guō zhōu) literally means 'a pot of porridge.' It is often used figuratively to describe a situation that is chaotic or a complete mess. This phrase can refer to disorganized circumstances or confusion in various contexts, such as work or relationships.

When to use 一锅粥

Learners should be cautious with the context in which they use this phrase; it's informal and can come off as negative. It's often used in spoken language rather than formal writing. Be aware of the tone when discussing sensitive topics to avoid sounding overly critical.

What learners get wrong

Learners might confuse the literal and figurative meanings, using it inappropriately. For instance, saying '一锅粥' to describe a well-organized event would be incorrect; a better choice might be '井井有条' (jǐng jǐng yǒu tiáo) for well-organized.

Write 一锅粥

一
锅
粥

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Frequently asked questions about 一锅粥

It's best to avoid using 一锅粥 in formal contexts, as it carries a negative connotation and is considered informal.

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