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矦 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
矦hóutarget in archeryx, 9 strokes, radical 矢
矦hóuold variant of 侯[hou2]unknown, 9 strokes, radical 矢
hóu(hou2)hou T2
  1. 1target in archery
  2. 2old variant of 侯[hou2]
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March 24, 2026

矦hóu(hou2)

The character 矦 (hóu) refers to a target used in archery, representing the focus of a marksman's aim. This term is somewhat archaic and is an old variant of 侯, which means 'noble' or 'marquis.' In contemporary contexts, it may not be frequently used but is relevant in historical discussions about archery or noble titles.

Strokes9Radical矢
Cultural note

In ancient China, archery was a crucial skill for nobility and was often associated with military prowess and honor. The target (矦) symbolizes not just physical aim but also the philosophical pursuit of goals in life.

Memory tip

Think of 矦 as a bullseye on a target. The top part of the character resembles an arrow aiming at the center, with the '矢' (shǐ, meaning arrow) component reinforcing its connection to archery. Imagine an archer keenly focusing on hitting the target to remember the pronunciation 'hóu.'

Meanings of 矦

hóu(hou2)
1target in archery
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 矦

矦Simplified
9Strokes
矢Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 矦

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Podcast: 矦

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AI study notes for 矦

Usage Notes

This character is rarely used in modern Mandarin, so learners might confuse it with 侯 (hóu) in informal contexts. Be cautious about its historical usage versus contemporary meanings, as it may not be recognized by all native speakers. It's best used in discussions about traditional archery.

HSK Study Tips

As 矦 (hóu) is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on related terms in archery or noble ranks, such as 侯 (hóu). Familiarity with these terms may enhance understanding of historical texts and cultural references in Chinese literature.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 矦 with 侯 due to their similar pronunciation and appearance. For example, using 矦 when discussing nobility or ranks would be incorrect; instead, use 侯 in such contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 矦

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Etymology of 矦

Formation typePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation

Pictograph of an arrow (矢) hitting a target (厂).

Memory hint

An arrow 矢 hitting a target 厃

Learn more about Pictograph (象形字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 矦?

Decomposition of 矦

IDS Structure⿸厃矢
矦Full character
=
厃wei3
enclosing
矢shi3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 矦?

How to say target in archery in Chinese

“target in archery” in Chinese is矦hóu

The character 矦 (hóu) refers to a target used in archery, representing the focus of a marksman's aim. This term is somewhat archaic and is an old variant of 侯, which means 'noble' or 'marquis.' In contemporary contexts, it may not be frequently used but is relevant in historical discussions about archery or noble titles.

When to use 矦

This character is rarely used in modern Mandarin, so learners might confuse it with 侯 (hóu) in informal contexts. Be cautious about its historical usage versus contemporary meanings, as it may not be recognized by all native speakers. It's best used in discussions about traditional archery.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 矦 with 侯 due to their similar pronunciation and appearance. For example, using 矦 when discussing nobility or ranks would be incorrect; instead, use 侯 in such contexts.

Write 矦

矦

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

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Frequently asked questions about 矦

No, 矦 is an archaic term and is rarely used in contemporary speech.

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