unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #89890, Very Hard
guǒ(guo3) T3
1outer-coffin; vault
2outer coffin
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
椁(槨)guǒ(guo3)
The character 椁 (guǒ) refers to an outer coffin or a vault used to contain the inner coffin in traditional Chinese burial practices. It signifies a protective structure that holds the remains of the deceased, symbolizing respect for the dead and the importance of proper burial rites in Chinese culture.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#89890DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the practice of using an outer coffin (椁) reflects the belief in the afterlife and the importance of honoring ancestors. This character is often encountered in discussions about burial customs and memorial practices.
Memory Tip
Think of 椁 (guǒ) as a 'guard' for the deceased. The top part, '木' (mù), represents wood, hinting that the coffin is made from wood. Visualize a grand wooden structure safeguarding an inner coffin, emphasizing the respect afforded to those who have passed.
Meanings of 椁
guǒ(guo3)
1outer-coffin; vault
2outer coffin
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 椁
椁Simplified
槨Traditional
12Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 椁
Podcast: 椁
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 椁
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 椁 (guǒ) as a 'guard' for the deceased. The top part, '木' (mù), represents wood, hinting that the coffin is made from wood. Visualize a grand wooden structure safeguarding an inner coffin, emphasizing the respect afforded to those who have passed.
Usage Notes
This term is quite formal and is primarily used in historical or literary contexts related to funerary practices. Be cautious not to confuse it with simpler terms for coffin, such as 棺材 (guān cái), which refers specifically to the inner coffin.
HSK Study Tips
Although not an HSK word, understanding 椁 can enhance your vocabulary related to funerary customs in Chinese culture. Students should focus on recognizing the components of the character and how they relate to the themes of life and death.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the practice of using an outer coffin (椁) reflects the belief in the afterlife and the importance of honoring ancestors. This character is often encountered in discussions about burial customs and memorial practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 椁 with other terms for coffins, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我看到一个椁在商店' (I saw an outer coffin in the store) is incorrect; it would be more appropriate to use 棺材 in everyday contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 椁
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 椁 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 椁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 椁
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the practice of using an outer coffin (椁) reflects the belief in the afterlife and the importance of honoring ancestors. This character is often encountered in discussions about burial customs and memorial practices.
Word Family of 椁
Words Containing This Character2
椁guǒouter coffin槨
棺椁coffin棺槨
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 椁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 椁
椁 refers to the outer coffin that encases the inner coffin (棺材), which is the actual burial container for the body.
椁 is primarily used in literary or historical contexts and is less common in everyday conversation.
It is pronounced as guǒ, with a falling-rising tone.
