unknown, 10 strokes, radical 白, rank #81286, Very Hard
皋
gāo
marsh
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 白, rank #81286, Very Hard
gāo(gao1) T1
1the high land along a river
2bank
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March 24, 2026
皋gāo(gao1)
The character 皋 (gāo) refers to the elevated land or bank along a river, often associated with marshy areas. It signifies a geographic feature that is typically higher than the surrounding terrain, highlighting its importance in describing landscapes related to waterways.
Strokes10Radical白Frequency#81286DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, rivers were vital for agriculture and transportation, making the concept of riverbanks (皋) significant in poetry and literature. Many classical poems depict serene landscapes featuring rivers and their banks, emphasizing the beauty of nature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall, proud rooster (gāo sounds like 'gall') standing on a riverbank. The rooster represents height (think 'high land'), and the riverbank is the 皋, creating a vivid image of elevation by the water.
Meanings of 皋
gāo(gao1)
1the high land along a river
2bank
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 皋
皋Simplified
10Strokes
白Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 皋
Podcast: 皋
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AI Study Notes for 皋
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall, proud rooster (gāo sounds like 'gall') standing on a riverbank. The rooster represents height (think 'high land'), and the riverbank is the 皋, creating a vivid image of elevation by the water.
Usage Notes
皋 is a formal term often found in literary or poetic contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; its specific usage relates to geographical features, so it may not fit well in casual discussions.
HSK Study Tips
Although 皋 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of classical Chinese texts. Focus on recognizing its context in poetry and historical writings to better appreciate its usage.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, rivers were vital for agriculture and transportation, making the concept of riverbanks (皋) significant in poetry and literature. Many classical poems depict serene landscapes featuring rivers and their banks, emphasizing the beauty of nature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 皋 in everyday conversation, thinking it is a common term like 'bank' in English. Instead, it is more appropriate in literary contexts; use '河岸' (hé'àn) for everyday riverbank discussions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 皋
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Cultural Notes for 皋
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, rivers were vital for agriculture and transportation, making the concept of riverbanks (皋) significant in poetry and literature. Many classical poems depict serene landscapes featuring rivers and their banks, emphasizing the beauty of nature.
Word Family of 皋
Words Containing This Character7
皋gāobank
如皋Rugao county level city in Nantong 南通[Nántōng], Jiangsu
如皋市Rugao county level city in Nantong 南通[Nántōng], Jiangsu
皋兰县Gaolan county in Lanzhou 蘭州|兰州[Lánzhōu], Gansu皋蘭縣
皋兰Gaolan county in Lanzhou 蘭州|兰州[Lánzhōu], Gansu皋蘭
岚皋县Langao County in Ankang 安康[Ankāng], Shaanxi嵐皋縣
岚皋Langao County in Ankang 安康[Ankāng], Shaanxi嵐皋
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 皋 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 皋
It is primarily used in literary contexts to refer to riverbanks or elevated land.
It is pronounced as 'gāo' with a high level tone.
No, it is mostly found in classical literature and poetry.
