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構 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
構gòuto compose, to make; building, frame, structurezg, 14 strokes, radical 木
gòu(gou4)gou T4
  1. 1to compose, to make; building, frame, structure
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March 24, 2026

構gòu(gou4)

The character 構 (gòu) means to compose or make something, often referring to the structural aspect of buildings or frameworks. It is commonly used in contexts relating to architecture, engineering, and organization, indicating how elements fit together to form a whole.

Strokes14Radical木
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of structure is significant in traditional architecture, such as in pagodas, where balance and harmony in design reflect philosophical ideals. The character encapsulates this connection to building and organization in life.

Memory tip

Imagine a giant tree (木) that has been crafted into a beautiful structure (构) — it stands strong and composed. The character has a tree radical (木) at its core, suggesting the building materials used in construction, while the rest of the character implies the act of creating or composing.

Meanings of 構

gòu(gou4)
1to compose, to make; building, frame, structure
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 構

構Simplified
14Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 構

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Podcast: 構

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AI Study Notes for 構

Quick Contrast

构 (gòu) vs 造 (zào): Use 構 when emphasizing structure or composition, while 造 focuses more on the act of creating or manufacturing.

Usage Notes

This character is often used in formal contexts, such as in academic or professional discussions about architecture. Be mindful of its tonal pronunciation, as 'gòu' can be confused with similar-sounding words; practice distinguishing it in sentences.

HSK Study Tips

While 構 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to related words like 建筑 (jiànzhù, architecture) and 结构 (jiégòu, structure). Focus on its usage in compound words to strengthen understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 構 with similar characters like 购 (gòu, to buy) due to the similar pronunciation. Remember that 構 relates to structure and composition, while 购 is about purchasing.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 構

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Etymology of 構

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 勾 represents the sound. Simplified form of 構.

Memory hint

wood

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)冓
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

構 = 木 + 冓. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 構

IDS Structure⿰木冓
構Full character
=
木Mu4
left
冓gou4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 構?

How to say to compose, to make; building, frame, structure in Chinese

“to compose, to make; building, frame, structure” in Chinese is構gòu

The character 構 (gòu) means to compose or make something, often referring to the structural aspect of buildings or frameworks. It is commonly used in contexts relating to architecture, engineering, and organization, indicating how elements fit together to form a whole.

When to use 構

This character is often used in formal contexts, such as in academic or professional discussions about architecture. Be mindful of its tonal pronunciation, as 'gòu' can be confused with similar-sounding words; practice distinguishing it in sentences.

構 or something close to it

构 (gòu) vs 造 (zào): Use 構 when emphasizing structure or composition, while 造 focuses more on the act of creating or manufacturing.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 構 with similar characters like 购 (gòu, to buy) due to the similar pronunciation. Remember that 構 relates to structure and composition, while 购 is about purchasing.

Write 構

構

Practice writing 構 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 構

Words containing this character20
机构jīgòumechanism機構
结构jiégòustructure結構
构成gòuchéngto form構成
虚构xūgòuto make up虛構
构建gòujiànto construct (sth abstract)構建
构思gòusīto design構思
构造gòuzàostructure構造
构想gòuxiǎngto conceive構想
构gòuto form構
架构to construct架構
构筑to build構築
结构性structural結構性
建构to set up建構
构图(art) composition構圖
重构to reconstruct重構
构件member構件
构架structure構架
慈善机构charity慈善機構
专门机构specialized agency專門機構
构型structure構型
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 構

What does 机构 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 構

Common phrases include 结构 (jiégòu, structure) and 构思 (gòusī, conception or design).

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