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March 24, 2026
核hé(he2)
The character 核 (hé) primarily refers to a core or nucleus, often in the context of physical sciences, such as the nucleus of an atom or the pit of a fruit. It can also mean to examine or verify something, indicating a process of checking the core details of a matter. This word is versatile, used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
Strokes10Radical木Frequency#4604DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the term 核能 (nuclear energy) is significant in discussions about energy policy and development. The focus on核 technology reflects China's emphasis on modernizing its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant fruit with a shiny, hard pit inside. This pit represents the core (核) of the fruit, just like the nucleus in an atom. The pronunciation 'hé' sounds like 'her', so think of her checking the fruit for the pit inside to verify its quality.
Meanings of 核
hé(he2)
1pit
2stone
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 核
核Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4604Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 核
Podcast: 核
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AI Study Notes for 核
Quick Contrast
核 (hé) vs 中心 (zhōngxīn) — use 核 for core or nucleus, while 中心 refers to a center or focal point.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant fruit with a shiny, hard pit inside. This pit represents the core (核) of the fruit, just like the nucleus in an atom. The pronunciation 'hé' sounds like 'her', so think of her checking the fruit for the pit inside to verify its quality.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 核 (hé) with 何 (hé), which means 'what'. It's also important to note that 核 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in scientific discussions. Common collocations include 核能 (nuclear energy) and 核心 (core essence).
HSK Study Tips
Although 核 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it can be relevant when studying vocabulary related to science and technology. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in context and connecting it with related terms like 核心 (core) and 核心价值 (core values).
Cultural Note
In China, the term 核能 (nuclear energy) is significant in discussions about energy policy and development. The focus on核 technology reflects China's emphasis on modernizing its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Common Mistakes
Learners may incorrectly use 核 when referring to the concept of 'what' instead of the correct character 何 (hé). Additionally, some might confuse it with other characters that involve checking or examining, so it's essential to focus on the context of use.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 核
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Grammar Patterns of 核
核 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 9 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.
This could intensify the risk of a nuclear exchange.
9
批评家们可能会认为小说的核心比喻过于简单。
pī píng jiā mén kě néng huì rèn wéi xiǎo shuō de hé xīn bǐ yù guò yú jiǎn dān。
Critics may complain that the novel's central conceit is rather simplistic.
10
我觉得有年龄限制，不过我得去核实一下。
wǒ jué dé yǒu nián líng xiàn zhì， ， bù guò wǒ dé qù hé shí yī。
I think there is an age limit, but I'd have to check.
Cultural Notes for 核
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the term 核能 (nuclear energy) is significant in discussions about energy policy and development. The focus on核 technology reflects China's emphasis on modernizing its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Word Family of 核
Words Containing This Character20
核心héxīncore
核hépit
核弹nuclear warhead核彈
考核kǎohéto examine
核武器héwǔqìnuclear weapon
审核shěnhéto audit審核
核实héshíto verify核實
核磁共振nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
核对héduìto check核對
核查to examine
核桃hétaowalnut
核算to calculate
核电站hédiànzhànnuclear power plant核電站
核准to authorize
核能hénéngnuclear energy
肺结核TB肺結核
核子nuclear
结核tuberculosis結核
核定to audit and determine
内核kernel (computer science)內核
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 核心 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 核
核 (hé) generally refers to a core or central part, often in a scientific context like 'nucleus,' while 中心 (zhōngxīn) means 'center' or 'middle' in a more general sense. 核 is used more in specific fields like physics or when discussing the core of something, whereas 中心 is broader, applicable to various contexts like places or concepts.
核 is pronounced as 'hé' in Mandarin. It is a second-tone character, which means the pitch of your voice should rise slightly when saying it. Practicing with audio resources can help you master the pronunciation.
核 (hé) has several meanings in Chinese, including 'pit' or 'stone' as in the seed of a fruit, 'nucleus' in a scientific context, and 'nuclear' when referring to energy or weapons. It can also mean 'to examine' or 'to check,' often used in contexts involving verification or inspection.
To use 核 (hé) in a sentence, you can refer to its meanings depending on the context. For example, when talking about fruit, you might say '这个桃子的核很大' (The pit of this peach is very big). In a scientific context, you could say '原子核是物质的基本单位' (The atomic nucleus is the basic unit of matter).
It is pronounced as 'hé', with a rising tone.
Yes, while it is often used in scientific contexts, it can also refer to the pit of fruits in everyday language.
Common phrases include 核心 (core) and 核能 (nuclear energy).
