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March 24, 2026
堠hòu(hou4)
The character 堠 (hòu) refers to a type of fortification, specifically battlements or ramparts, often associated with defensive structures. It can also denote mounds used for beacons, indicating its connection to military and signaling contexts.
Strokes12Radical土
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese military strategy, fortifications like those described by 堠 were crucial for defense against invasions, reflecting the importance of protective structures in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall fortress wall with battlements and beacons on top, where the '土' (earth) radical represents the ground and the '后' (hòu) part signifies something that comes after, like a protective barrier. Picture soldiers watching from the ramparts as beacons signal their presence.
Meanings of 堠
hòu(hou4)
1battlement, rampart
2mounds for beacons
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About 堠
堠Simplified
12Strokes
土Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 堠
Podcast: 堠
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AI Study Notes for 堠
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall fortress wall with battlements and beacons on top, where the '土' (earth) radical represents the ground and the '后' (hòu) part signifies something that comes after, like a protective barrier. Picture soldiers watching from the ramparts as beacons signal their presence.
Usage Notes
This character is quite specialized and may not be widely used in everyday conversation. It's mostly encountered in historical or literary contexts, so learners should ensure they understand its specific application to avoid confusion with more common terms. Tone is crucial; mispronouncing hòu can change its meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 堠 is not part of the HSK curriculum, it can be beneficial for learners familiar with HSK Level 5-6 vocabulary related to history and architecture. Focus on its components to enhance recognition of similar characters in context.
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese military strategy, fortifications like those described by 堠 were crucial for defense against invasions, reflecting the importance of protective structures in Chinese history.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 堠 with other characters that have similar pronunciations or meanings, such as 后 (hòu, meaning 'after' or 'behind'). Always check the context to ensure the correct character is used.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 堠
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Cultural Notes for 堠
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient Chinese military strategy, fortifications like those described by 堠 were crucial for defense against invasions, reflecting the importance of protective structures in Chinese history.
Word Family of 堠
Words Containing This Character1
堠hòumounds for beacons
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 堠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 堠
No, 堠 is mostly found in historical texts and discussions about ancient military architecture.
Try associating 'hòu' with the English word 'house,' as in a house with a rampart.
There are not many common phrases that use 堠 due to its specialized nature.
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