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March 24, 2026
臌gǔ(gu3)
The character 臌 (gǔ) refers to a condition characterized by swelling or edema in the body. It is often used in medical contexts to describe puffy or bloated areas, particularly when related to dropsy or fluid retention. This term may not be commonly used in everyday conversation but is relevant in health-related discussions.
Strokes17Radical⺼Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, swelling and edema are often linked to imbalances in the body's fluids, reflecting a holistic understanding of health that emphasizes balance and harmony. This concept is integral to many health practices in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a balloon (representing the character 臌) that is overfilled with air, making it puffy and swollen. The top part of the character resembles the balloon's shape, while the bottom part can remind you of fluid accumulating, thus linking to the meaning of swelling and bloating.
Meanings of 臌
gǔ(gu3)
1swelling, edema; puffy, bloated
2dropsical
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About 臌
臌Simplified
17Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 臌
Podcast: 臌
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AI Study Notes for 臌
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a balloon (representing the character 臌) that is overfilled with air, making it puffy and swollen. The top part of the character resembles the balloon's shape, while the bottom part can remind you of fluid accumulating, thus linking to the meaning of swelling and bloating.
Usage Notes
When using 臌, ensure that you are in appropriate medical or formal contexts, as it may sound too technical in everyday speech. Common collocations include phrases like '肢体臌胀' (limb swelling). Be cautious with the tone; mispronouncing the tone could lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 臌 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to related medical terms that may appear in higher-level studies. Focus on understanding its usage in health contexts, which can be beneficial for learners interested in medical Chinese vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, swelling and edema are often linked to imbalances in the body's fluids, reflecting a holistic understanding of health that emphasizes balance and harmony. This concept is integral to many health practices in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 臌 with similar-sounding words like 鼓 (gǔ), which means 'drum' or 'to beat,' leading to incorrect usage. Always remember that 臌 relates specifically to the concept of swelling.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 臌
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Cultural Notes for 臌
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, swelling and edema are often linked to imbalances in the body's fluids, reflecting a holistic understanding of health that emphasizes balance and harmony. This concept is integral to many health practices in China.
Word Family of 臌
Words Containing This Character1
臌gǔdropsical
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 臌 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 臌
臌 specifically refers to swelling due to fluid retention or edema, while other terms may describe general swelling without the medical context.
No, 臌 is primarily used in medical or formal contexts and is not commonly heard in casual conversation.
Yes, 臌 can describe swelling in various areas, but it is often used in relation to limbs or abdominal swelling in medical discussions.
