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March 24, 2026
匏páo(pao2)
The character 匏 (páo) refers primarily to a gourd, particularly the bottle gourd, which is often used in cooking and traditional Chinese medicine. It can also denote a musical instrument made from a gourd, highlighting its cultural significance. In various contexts, it may symbolize nourishment and creativity.
Strokes11Radical勹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the bottle gourd is not only a food source but also used in traditional crafts and music, such as the gourd flute. Its presence in art and festivals signifies abundance and creativity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bottle gourd hanging from a vine, its round shape resembling a bell. The sound of this gourd when tapped resonates like music, linking the character's meaning with its sound (páo). Visualize the gourd as a musical instrument that brings joy and sustenance.
Meanings of 匏
páo(pao2)
1gourd; musical instrument
2bottle gourd
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About 匏
匏Simplified
11Strokes
勹Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 匏
Podcast: 匏
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AI Study Notes for 匏
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bottle gourd hanging from a vine, its round shape resembling a bell. The sound of this gourd when tapped resonates like music, linking the character's meaning with its sound (páo). Visualize the gourd as a musical instrument that brings joy and sustenance.
Usage Notes
Learners may confuse 匏 with similar characters. It is used more frequently in formal contexts or literature rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to cooking and traditional instruments. Be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone (páo).
HSK Study Tips
Although 匏 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your comprehension of related terms in Chinese cuisine and traditional instruments, as well as broaden your vocabulary regarding plants. Focus on recognizing its form and connecting it with similar characters.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the bottle gourd is not only a food source but also used in traditional crafts and music, such as the gourd flute. Its presence in art and festivals signifies abundance and creativity.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 匏 with other similar characters like 瓢 (piáo), which means ladle. Make sure to remember that 匏 specifically refers to gourd-related contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 匏
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Cultural Notes for 匏
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the bottle gourd is not only a food source but also used in traditional crafts and music, such as the gourd flute. Its presence in art and festivals signifies abundance and creativity.
Word Family of 匏
Words Containing This Character1
匏páobottle gourd
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Compound Meaning
What does 匏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 匏
It is pronounced as 'páo' with the second tone.
匏 is often used to refer to dishes that include bottle gourd, which is valued for its nutritional properties.
While not commonly used in idioms, it may appear in literary contexts discussing nature or traditional music.
