Meanings of 掛
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About 掛
Podcast: 掛
Podcast: 掛
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AI Study Notes for 掛
挂 (guà) vs 悬 (xuán) — use 掛 when referring specifically to hanging or suspending an object, while 悬 often implies a more abstract sense of being suspended or hanging, like a feeling or state.
Common mistakes include confusing 掛 with other similar characters like 挂 (guà, to hang) which is used in more specific contexts. This word is generally used in both formal and informal settings, but understanding when to use it in phrases like 掛在墙上 (guà zài qiáng shàng, to hang on the wall) is crucial.
While 掛 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it shares roots with other characters related to actions (like 手) and spatial concepts. Focus on using it in context with verbs of placing or suspending to solidify your understanding.
Learners often confuse 掛 with 挂, which is a simplified form used in contexts like placing something on a hook. Ensure you use 掛 for general hanging actions and remember that it is more commonly seen in traditional contexts.
Pronunciation of 掛
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Etymology of 掛
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 圭 represents the sound. Simplified form of 掛.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 掛
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 圭 represents the sound. Simplified form of 掛.
- 1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half卦 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 掛? 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
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Decomposition of 掛
Identify the Components
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How to say to suspend, to put up, to hang; suspense in Chinese
“to suspend, to put up, to hang; suspense” in Chinese is掛
The character 掛 (guà) means to suspend or hang something, often implying an action of placing an object in a position where it is supported from above. It can also refer to the feeling of suspense or being on edge in certain contexts, such as when waiting for news or results.
When to use 掛
Common mistakes include confusing 掛 with other similar characters like 挂 (guà, to hang) which is used in more specific contexts. This word is generally used in both formal and informal settings, but understanding when to use it in phrases like 掛在墙上 (guà zài qiáng shàng, to hang on the wall) is crucial.
掛 or something close to it
挂 (guà) vs 悬 (xuán) — use 掛 when referring specifically to hanging or suspending an object, while 悬 often implies a more abstract sense of being suspended or hanging, like a feeling or state.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 掛 with 挂, which is a simplified form used in contexts like placing something on a hook. Ensure you use 掛 for general hanging actions and remember that it is more commonly seen in traditional contexts.
Write 掛
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Practice writing 掛 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 掛
Compound Meaning
What does 挂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掛
You can say 掛在门口 (guà zài ménkǒu), meaning 'hanging at the door'.
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