Meanings of 拷
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About 拷
Podcast: 拷
Podcast: 拷
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AI Study Notes for 拷
拷 (kǎo) vs 逼 (bī) — use 拷 when emphasizing physical torture or interrogation methods, while 逼 refers more generally to coercion or pressure.
Common mistakes include confusing 拷 (kǎo) with related characters like 打 (dǎ), which simply means to hit. This word is more formal and context-specific, often used in serious discussions about law, justice, or historical contexts. Be careful with the tone, as a mispronunciation can change the meaning.
Although 拷 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding it can enhance your vocabulary related to law and history. Focus on its connections to other related terms like 拷问 (kǎowèn, to interrogate) and see how it fits into discussions about justice or punishment.
Learners often confuse 拷 (kǎo) with 打 (dǎ), leading to incorrect usage in contexts discussing punishment. For instance, saying '我会打他' (wǒ huì dǎ tā - I will hit him) instead of '我会拷问他' (wǒ huì kǎowèn tā - I will interrogate him) misses the nuance of coercive interrogation.
Pronunciation of 拷
Drill the tone of 拷 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 拷
To question 考 by hand 扌; 考 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 拷
- 1The giveawayTo question 考 by hand 扌; 考 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 拷? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 拷?
Decomposition of 拷
Identify the Components
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How to say to torture, to interrogate; to beat, to flog in Chinese
“to torture, to interrogate; to beat, to flog” in Chinese is拷
The character 拷 (kǎo) refers to the act of torturing or interrogating someone, often through physical means such as beating or flogging. It is commonly used in contexts related to law enforcement or military situations where coercive methods may be employed to extract information.
When to use 拷
Common mistakes include confusing 拷 (kǎo) with related characters like 打 (dǎ), which simply means to hit. This word is more formal and context-specific, often used in serious discussions about law, justice, or historical contexts. Be careful with the tone, as a mispronunciation can change the meaning.
拷 or something close to it
拷 (kǎo) vs 逼 (bī) — use 拷 when emphasizing physical torture or interrogation methods, while 逼 refers more generally to coercion or pressure.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 拷 (kǎo) with 打 (dǎ), leading to incorrect usage in contexts discussing punishment. For instance, saying '我会打他' (wǒ huì dǎ tā - I will hit him) instead of '我会拷问他' (wǒ huì kǎowèn tā - I will interrogate him) misses the nuance of coercive interrogation.
Write 拷
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Practice writing 拷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 拷
拷 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.
Complete the Sentence
1957年首次上映后，这部影片现在有了新的____贝。
First released in 1957, the movie now appears in a new print.
Example Sentences for 拷 (4)
Word Family of 拷
Compound Meaning
What does 拷贝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 拷
The tone is third tone (kǎo), which means it dips down and then rises.
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