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具 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
toolHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
deviceHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
utensilHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
equipmentHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
instrumentHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
talentHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
abilityHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
to possessHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
to haveHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
to provideHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
to furnishHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
to stateHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
classifier for devices, coffins, dead bodiesHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
tool, implement; to draw up, to writeHSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 八, rank #1583, Hard
(ju4) T4
  1. 1tool
  2. 2device
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

(ju4)

The character 具 (jù) refers to tools, devices, or equipment used for specific purposes. It also conveys the idea of possessing talents or abilities, and can function as a verb meaning 'to provide' or 'to furnish.' This word is commonly used in both technical and everyday contexts, emphasizing functionality and capability.

Strokes8RadicalFrequency#1583DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of having the right tools or skills is often linked to success and efficiency in tasks, whether in personal or professional settings. The emphasis on proper equipment is prominent in traditional crafts and modern professions alike.

Memory Tip

Imagine a toolbox filled with various tools (具) that you possess (jù) to accomplish tasks. The character has a structure that resembles a box (the tools) containing your abilities and resources.

Meanings of 具

(ju4)
1tool
2device
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 具

Simplified
8Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1583Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4

Podcast: 具

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 具

Quick Contrast

具 (jù) vs 提供 (tígōng) — use 具 when emphasizing the provision of tools or equipment, while 提供 focuses more on the act of providing in a general sense.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a toolbox filled with various tools (具) that you possess (jù) to accomplish tasks. The character has a structure that resembles a box (the tools) containing your abilities and resources.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 具, as a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely. It is often used with specific nouns to indicate the type of equipment or ability, such as '工具' (gōngjù - tool) or '能力' (nénglì - ability). Avoid using it in overly casual contexts as it can sound too formal.

HSK Study Tips

While 具 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to tools and abilities, such as 力 (lì - strength) and 工 (gōng - work). Focus on using 具 in phrases that combine it with other nouns to express specific meanings, such as '具有' (jùyǒu - to possess).

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of having the right tools or skills is often linked to success and efficiency in tasks, whether in personal or professional settings. The emphasis on proper equipment is prominent in traditional crafts and modern professions alike.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 具 with similar-sounding words; for example, saying '聚' (jù - to gather) instead of 具. Make sure to associate 具 with tools and abilities to avoid this mistake.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 具

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Etymology of 具

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Depicts two hands (廾) handling a cooking pot (鼎).

Memory Hint

Two hands 八 writing on a tablet 目

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 具?

Decomposition of 具

IDS Structure⿱目⿱一八
Full Character
=
mu4
top
yi1
top
ba1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 具?

Write 具

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 具

具 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 14 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 2

Complete the Sentence

关于明天的考试,学校做了____体的规定。

Regarding tomorrow's exam, the school has made specific arrangements.

Example Sentences for 具 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这样的地产是否可获得大笔收益还要视具体情形而定。

zhè yàng de dì chǎn shì fǒu kě huò dé dà bǐ shōu yì huán yào shì jù tǐ qíng xíng ér dìng。

Whether such properties are a good deal will depend on individual situations.
2
你的决定必须转化为具体明确的行动。

nǐ de jué dìng bì xū zhuǎn huà wéi jù tǐ míng què de háng dòng。

Your decision must be translated into specific, concrete actions.
3
你也可以按照自己的要求定制家具。

nǐ yě kě yǐ àn zhào zì jǐ de yào qiú dìng zhì jiā jù。

Furniture can also be custom-made to suit your own requirements.
4
你可以在自己动手商店里买一套工具自己来做这个。

nǐ kě yǐ zài zì jǐ dòng shǒu shāng diàn lǐ mǎi yī tào gōng jù zì jǐ lái zuò zhè gè。

You can get kits to do this from DIY stores.
5
我能看出你极具幽默感。

wǒ néng kàn chū nǐ jí jù yōu mò gǎn。

I can see you have a keen sense of humour.
6
你可以在自己动手做商店里买到所有这些工具。

nǐ kě yǐ zài zì jǐ dòng shǒu zuò shāng diàn lǐ mǎi dào suǒ yǒu zhè xiē gōng jù。

You can buy all these tools at a do-it-yourself store.
7
桑塔格一直是那种兼具美貌与智慧的人中龙凤。

sāng tǎ gé yī zhí shì nà zhǒng jiān jù měi mào yǔ zhì huì de rén zhōng lóng fèng。

Sontag has always been that rarity, a glamorous intellectual.
8
当时自行车是英国最流行的交通工具。

dāng shí zì háng chē shì yīng guó zuì liú háng de jiāo tōng gōng jù。

The bicycle reigned supreme as Britain's most popular mode of transport.
9
这次会议具备了作为高度戏剧性的政治事件的一切要素。

zhè cì huì yì jù bèi le zuò wéi gāo dù xì jù xìng de zhèng zhì shì jiàn de yī qiē yào sù。

The meeting had all the ingredients of high political drama.
10
这所学校因其针对该社区具有开创性的工作而获奖。

zhè suǒ xué xiào yīn qí zhēn duì gāi shè qū jù yǒu kāi chuàng xìng de gōng zuò ér huò jiǎng。

The school has won awards for its pioneering work with the community.

Cultural Notes for 具

💡Did you know?

汉字‘具’的构造有趣,它由‘八’和‘目’两个部分组成。‘八’代表两手,‘目’则象征着工具的使用,形成了一个有形的意义,表示用手去操作工具。

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of having the right tools or skills is often linked to success and efficiency in tasks, whether in personal or professional settings. The emphasis on proper equipment is prominent in traditional crafts and modern professions alike.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

在西方文化中,工具和设备是提高工作效率的关键。在中国文化中,‘具’不仅指工具,还强调能力和才能,体现了对全面发展的重视。

Word Family of 具

Compounds8
zhen1really
ju4entirely
ju4to fear
ju4cyclone, gale, typhoon
ju4
ju4cyclone, gale, typhoon
Words Containing This Character20
具有jùyǒuto have
tool
具体jùtǐconcrete具體
工具gōngjùtool
玩具wánjùtoy
具备jùbèito possess具備
面具mask
家具jiājùfurniture
道具dàojùprop (theater)
餐具tableware
出具chūjùto provide
用具appliance
工具箱toolbox
器具ware
模具mold
刀具cutting tool
防毒面具gas mask
农具farm tools農具
交通工具vehicle
文具wénjùstationery
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 真 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 具

Some common phrases that include 具 (jù) are '器具' (qìjù) meaning 'equipment' and '具备' (jù bèi) meaning 'to possess' or 'to have'. These phrases are frequently used in both everyday conversation and technical contexts.