unknown, 12 strokes, radical 艹, rank #95299, Very Hard
葫
hú
bottle gourd
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 艹, rank #95299, Very Hard
hú(hu2) T2
1bottle-gourd
2Allium scorodoprasum
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
葫hú(hu2)
The character 葫 (hú) primarily refers to a type of gourd, specifically the bottle gourd, which is often used in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine. It can also represent the plant known as Allium scorodoprasum. In various contexts, it might be associated with cultural symbols or artistic representations.
Strokes12Radical艹Frequency#95299DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the bottle gourd is often seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, frequently appearing in traditional artwork and decorations, especially during harvest festivals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, rounded gourd hanging from a vine. The rounded shape of the gourd resembles the curves in the character 葫, and saying 'hú' sounds like the sound of a gentle breeze that rustles through the vines. Picture a farmer saying 'hú' as he admires his bountiful harvest of gourds.
Meanings of 葫
hú(hu2)
1bottle-gourd
2Allium scorodoprasum
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 葫
葫Simplified
12Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 葫
Podcast: 葫
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AI Study Notes for 葫
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large, rounded gourd hanging from a vine. The rounded shape of the gourd resembles the curves in the character 葫, and saying 'hú' sounds like the sound of a gentle breeze that rustles through the vines. Picture a farmer saying 'hú' as he admires his bountiful harvest of gourds.
Usage Notes
While 葫 is generally used in a straightforward manner, learners should be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words. It is more commonly used in informal contexts, especially in culinary discussions. Common collocations include 葫芦 (húlu), meaning bottle gourd.
HSK Study Tips
Although 葫 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for learners at higher levels to understand food-related terms. Focus on context usage, especially related to cooking or traditional Chinese dishes that utilize this gourd.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the bottle gourd is often seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, frequently appearing in traditional artwork and decorations, especially during harvest festivals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 葫, confusing it with similar-sounding characters. For instance, saying 'hù' instead of 'hú' can lead to misunderstandings. Always remember the correct tone: hú with a rising intonation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 葫
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Grammar Patterns of 葫
葫 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
将西____芦洗干净，斜着切成片。
Rinse and slice the cour-gettes crosswise.
Example Sentences for 葫 (2)
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1
将西葫芦洗干净，斜着切成片。
jiāng xī hú lú xǐ gān jìng， ， xié zháo qiē chéng。
Rinse and slice the cour-gettes crosswise.
2
村民们用葫芦盛水.
cūn mín mén yòng hú lú shèng shuǐ.
The villagers use gourds for holding water.
Cultural Notes for 葫
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the bottle gourd is often seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, frequently appearing in traditional artwork and decorations, especially during harvest festivals.
Word Family of 葫
Words Containing This Character11
葫芦hoist葫蘆
西葫芦zucchini西葫蘆
葫芦岛Huludao prefecture-level city in Liaoning province 遼寧省|辽宁省 in northeast China葫蘆島
糖葫芦tanghulu糖葫蘆
冰糖葫芦tanghulu冰糖葫蘆
照葫芦画瓢fig. to copy slavishly照葫蘆畫瓢
葫芦岛市Huludao prefecture-level city in Liaoning province 遼寧省|辽宁省 in northeast China葫蘆島市
葫húbottle gourd
依样画葫芦lit. to draw a gourd from the model (idiom)依樣畫葫蘆
闷葫芦fig. enigma悶葫蘆
按下葫芦浮起瓢solve one problem only to find another cropping up按下葫蘆浮起瓢
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 葫芦 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 葫
葫 specifically refers to the bottle gourd, which is distinct for its unique shape and culinary uses compared to other gourds.
Yes, 葫 can be part of phrases that describe abundance or prosperity, reflecting its cultural significance.
