unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #42990, Very Hard
kuò(kuo4) T4
1to enclose
2to include
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March 24, 2026
括kuò(kuo4)
The character 括 (kuò) primarily means 'to enclose' or 'to include.' It is often used in contexts where items or concepts are grouped together or encompassed, such as in mathematics or lists. Additionally, it can be pronounced as [guā] in certain contexts, adding to its versatility.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#42990DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of enclosing or including can be linked to the importance of community and familial ties, where individuals are often 'included' in a larger social fabric.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large 'knot' (the sound of 'kuo') that ties together several items, symbolizing how 括 encloses or includes them. Visualize wrapping a ribbon around various gifts to keep them together, representing the idea of inclusion.
Meanings of 括
kuò(kuo4)
1to enclose
2to include
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 括
括Simplified
9Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#42990Frequency Rank
Podcast: 括
Podcast: 括
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AI Study Notes for 括
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation, as it can be confused with 'guā.' In written contexts, it is commonly used in formal writing, especially in academic or legal documents. Common collocations include 括起来 (kuò qǐ lái - to enclose) and 包括 (bāo kuò - to include).
HSK Study Tips
While 括 is not included in a specific HSK level, it connects with other words that involve grouping or enclosing concepts. Students should focus on its usage in conjunction with mathematical or formal terms, and practice its pronunciation to avoid confusion.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 括 with 包括, using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我括了所有的书' (Wǒ kuò le suǒyǒu de shū) is incorrect. Instead, use '我包括了所有的书' (Wǒ bāo kuò le suǒyǒu de shū) to mean 'I included all the books.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 括
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Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 舌 represents the sound.
1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
2The sound half舌 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayhand
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 括? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 括?
Decomposition of 括
IDS Structure⿰扌舌
括Full Character
=
扌shou3
left
舌she2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 括?
How to say to enclose in Chinese
“to enclose” in Chinese is括kuò
The character 括 (kuò) primarily means 'to enclose' or 'to include.' It is often used in contexts where items or concepts are grouped together or encompassed, such as in mathematics or lists. Additionally, it can be pronounced as [guā] in certain contexts, adding to its versatility.
When to use 括
Be cautious with the pronunciation, as it can be confused with 'guā.' In written contexts, it is commonly used in formal writing, especially in academic or legal documents. Common collocations include 括起来 (kuò qǐ lái - to enclose) and 包括 (bāo kuò - to include).
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 括 with 包括, using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我括了所有的书' (Wǒ kuò le suǒyǒu de shū) is incorrect. Instead, use '我包括了所有的书' (Wǒ bāo kuò le suǒyǒu de shū) to mean 'I included all the books.'
Write 括
括
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Practice writing 括 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 括
括 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 5 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.
In order to improve air quality, the government introduced a series of new policies. These include limiting factory emissions and encouraging the use of new energy vehicles.
Common Confusions with 括
括vs挂
guà
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to enclose"?
or
Example Sentences for 括 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
那个节目将包括英格兰与爱尔兰比赛的实况报道。
nà gè jié mù jiāng bāo kuò yīng gé lán yǔ ài ěr lán bǐ sài de shí kuàng bào dào。
That programme will include live commentary on the England-Ireland game.
