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括 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
括
kuò
to enclose
v, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #42990, Very Hard
括
kuò
to include
v, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #42990, Very Hard
括
kuò
also pr. [guā]
v, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #42990, Very Hard
括
kuò
to embrace, to enclose, to include
v, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #42990, Very Hard
括
kuò
also pr. [gua1]
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #42990, Very Hard
kuò(kuo4)kuo 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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 括 means.
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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Learning Lab
Knowing 括 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
括 = 扌 + 舌. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 括
IDS Structure⿰扌舌
括Full character
=
扌shou3
left
舌she2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part 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.
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
为了改善空气质量，政府出台了一系列新政策。这些政策包____限制工厂排放和鼓励使用新能源汽车。
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
Which one
Which one 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。
nàge jiémù jiāng bāokuò Yīng gé lán yǔ ài ěr lán bǐsài de shíkuàng bàodào。
That programme will include live commentary on the England-Ireland game.
2
我应该指出，这些估算仅包括医院的费用。
wǒ yīnggāi zhǐchū， zhèxiē gūsuàn jǐn bāokuò yīyuàn de fèiyong。
I should point out that these estimates cover just the hospital expenditures.
3
括号中的价格是年龄在18岁以下的消费者可以享受的特别优惠价。
kuòhào zhōng de jiàgé shì niánlíng zài18 suì yǐxià de xiāofèizhě kěyǐ xiǎngshòu de tèbié yōuhuì jià。
The prices in brackets are special rates for the under 18s.
