unknown, 9 strokes, radical 土, rank #27704, Very Hard
gòu(gou4) T4
1dirt, filth, stains; dirty; disgraceful
2disgrace
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March 24, 2026
垢gòu(gou4)
The character 垢 (gòu) refers to dirt, filth, or stains, often used to describe something that is unclean or disgraceful. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to moral stains or disgrace in a personal or social context. This word is commonly encountered in discussions of cleanliness and personal integrity.
Strokes9Radical土Frequency#27704DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and dirt or filth can symbolize moral failings. The concept of 垢 can reflect social attitudes towards purity and disgrace in both physical and moral realms.
Memory Tip
Imagine a muddy goat (sounds like 'gòu') standing in a dirty yard, covered in filth. The visual of the goat covered in mud will help you remember that 垢 means dirt and has a slightly negative connotation.
Meanings of 垢
gòu(gou4)
1dirt, filth, stains; dirty; disgraceful
2disgrace
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 垢
垢Simplified
9Strokes
土Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 垢
Podcast: 垢
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AI Study Notes for 垢
Quick Contrast
污 (wū) - use 垢 (gòu) for physical dirt or stains, while 污 (wū) often implies pollution or contamination.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a muddy goat (sounds like 'gòu') standing in a dirty yard, covered in filth. The visual of the goat covered in mud will help you remember that 垢 means dirt and has a slightly negative connotation.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 垢 (gòu) with other similar-sounding characters like 购 (gòu), which means to buy. 垢 is more commonly used in negative contexts, so it may not be appropriate in formal settings unless discussing a serious issue.
HSK Study Tips
Although 垢 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to the HSK 3 level's focus on everyday vocabulary related to cleanliness and personal care. Students should practice using it in sentences about hygiene or moral discussions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and dirt or filth can symbolize moral failings. The concept of 垢 can reflect social attitudes towards purity and disgrace in both physical and moral realms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 垢 (gòu) with 购 (gòu), leading to incorrect interpretations. For example, saying '我想买一些垢' (Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yīxiē gòu) means 'I want to buy some dirt,' which is incorrect; it should be used in negative contexts only.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 垢
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Grammar Patterns of 垢
垢 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他是1月9号到的，蓬头____面，疲惫不堪。
He arrived on January 9, disheveled and much the worse for wear.
Example Sentences for 垢 (9)
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1
他是1月9号到的，蓬头垢面，疲惫不堪。
tā shì1 19 yuè 9 hào， dào de ， péng， tóu gòu miàn ，。
He arrived on January 9, disheveled and much the worse for wear.
The fouling mechanism is crystallization fouling combined with particulate fouling.
Cultural Notes for 垢
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and dirt or filth can symbolize moral failings. The concept of 垢 can reflect social attitudes towards purity and disgrace in both physical and moral realms.
Word Family of 垢
Words Containing This Character15
污垢filth
垢gòudirt
蓬头垢面bad appearance蓬頭垢面
牙垢tartar
泥垢dirt
藏污纳垢aiding and abetting wicked deeds藏污納垢
水垢limescale
油垢covered in grease
积垢deeply accumulated filth積垢
耳垢ear dirt
除垢剂detergent除垢劑
藏垢纳污aiding and abetting wicked deeds藏垢納污
蓬首垢面of unkempt appearance (idiom)
含垢忍辱to bear shame and humiliation (idiom)
忍辱含垢to eat humble pie
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 污垢 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 垢
You can say '他的名声上有垢' (Tā de míngshēng shàng yǒu gòu), which means 'There is dirt on his reputation.'
Yes, other words like 污垢 (wūgòu) also mean dirt or filth.
While it's not as common in casual conversation, it is still used in literary and formal contexts.
