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March 24, 2026
腠còu(cou4)
The character 腠 (còu) refers to the subcutaneous tissue, which is the layer of tissue situated between the skin and the underlying flesh. This term is commonly used in medical or anatomical contexts when discussing the body's structure and composition.
Strokes13Radical⺼Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of subcutaneous tissue is significant, as it relates to the understanding of body heat and qi flow. Practitioners often consider the health of this layer when diagnosing and treating ailments.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 腠 as a protective layer (the 'skin' radical 月) covering the body's inner workings. Think of 'còu' sounding like 'couch' where you lie on top of this soft layer, highlighting the cushioning function of subcutaneous tissue.
Meanings of 腠
còu(cou4)
1subcutaneous tissue
2the tissue between the skin and the flesh
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About 腠
腠Simplified
13Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 腠
Podcast: 腠
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AI Study Notes for 腠
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine the character 腠 as a protective layer (the 'skin' radical 月) covering the body's inner workings. Think of 'còu' sounding like 'couch' where you lie on top of this soft layer, highlighting the cushioning function of subcutaneous tissue.
Usage Notes
This term is more likely to be used in formal medical contexts rather than everyday conversation. Learners should be cautious about using it in casual settings, as it may not be understood by a general audience. Additionally, be mindful of the tone, as 'còu' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
Although 腠 is not commonly included in HSK levels, understanding this term can enhance your vocabulary in medical fields. Students should focus on related anatomical terms to build a more comprehensive understanding of bodily functions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of subcutaneous tissue is significant, as it relates to the understanding of body heat and qi flow. Practitioners often consider the health of this layer when diagnosing and treating ailments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 腠 with similar terms like 皮肤 (pífū) for skin or 肌肉 (jīròu) for muscle. For example, saying '肚子的腠' instead of '肚子的皮肤' to refer to the skin on the belly is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 腠
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Cultural Notes for 腠
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of subcutaneous tissue is significant, as it relates to the understanding of body heat and qi flow. Practitioners often consider the health of this layer when diagnosing and treating ailments.
Word Family of 腠
Words Containing This Character1
腠còuthe tissue between the skin and the flesh
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 腠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 腠
腠 specifically refers to the subcutaneous layer, while terms like 肌肉 (jīròu) refer to muscle tissue, and 皮肤 (pífū) means skin.
Use 腠 when discussing medical or anatomical topics, especially in contexts related to surgery or body structure.
No, 腠 is mainly used in specialized fields, so it's not common in daily dialogues.
