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March 24, 2026
寇(㓂)kòu(kou4)
The character 寇 (kòu) primarily refers to a bandit or thief, and can also denote an enemy or foe. It is often used in historical contexts or literature to describe invaders or plunderers, reflecting a sense of hostility or aggression.
Strokes11Radical宀Frequency#6710DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The term 寇 is often associated with the historical context of banditry in ancient China, where bandits could disrupt local peace, reflecting the societal issues of law and order during those times.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'knot' (sounds like 'kòu') being tied tightly around a 'bandit' who is trying to escape. The character itself has the radical for 'house' (宀), suggesting that these bandits invade homes, while the rest of the character evokes a feeling of conflict.
Meanings of 寇
kòu(kou4)
1bandit, thief; enemy; to invade
2to plunder
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 寇
寇Simplified
㓂Traditional
11Strokes
宀Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 寇
Podcast: 寇
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AI Study Notes for 寇
Quick Contrast
匪 (fěi) - use 寇 (kòu) when emphasizing historical invaders or plunderers, whereas 匪 (fěi) typically refers to bandits or robbers in a more modern context.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'knot' (sounds like 'kòu') being tied tightly around a 'bandit' who is trying to escape. The character itself has the radical for 'house' (宀), suggesting that these bandits invade homes, while the rest of the character evokes a feeling of conflict.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. This character is more formal and might appear in historical texts rather than in casual conversation. Common collocations include '海盗寇' (pirate) or '敌寇' (enemy bandit).
HSK Study Tips
Although not included in HSK levels, understanding 寇 can enhance vocabulary related to conflict and historical narratives. Students should focus on recognizing the character in context, especially in texts discussing historical invasions or conflicts.
Cultural Note
The term 寇 is often associated with the historical context of banditry in ancient China, where bandits could disrupt local peace, reflecting the societal issues of law and order during those times.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 寇 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 口 (kǒu) meaning mouth. A common mistake is using it in informal contexts where a simpler term would suffice. For example, saying '他是一个寇' (He is a bandit) in casual conversation might sound overly dramatic.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 寇
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Grammar Patterns of 寇
寇 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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 5
Complete the Sentence
这部电影最早在1957年上映，后被翻拍为《七侠荡____志》。
Originally released in 1957, the film was remade as "The Magnificent Seven".
Originally released in 1957, the film was remade as "The Magnificent Seven".
2
宜将剩勇追穷寇.
yí jiāng shèng yǒng zhuī qióng kòu.
With power and to spare we must pursue the tottering foe.
3
穷寇勿追.
qióng kòu wù zhuī.
The stag at bay is a dangerous foe.
Cultural Notes for 寇
🏮Cultural insight
The term 寇 is often associated with the historical context of banditry in ancient China, where bandits could disrupt local peace, reflecting the societal issues of law and order during those times.
Word Family of 寇
Words Containing This Character7
寇kòuto invade
倭寇Japanese pirates (in 16th and 17th century)
流寇roving bandit
寇准Kou Zhun (961-1023), Northern Song politician and poet寇準
穷寇cornered enemy窮寇
草寇bandits
司寇two-character surname Sikou
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 寇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 寇
Common phrases include '敌寇' meaning enemy bandit and '海盗寇' for pirate.
While it is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it can be found in historical literature or discussions about past conflicts.
