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March 24, 2026
褲kù(ku4)
褲 (kù) refers to 'pants' or 'trousers' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe various types of lower-body garments. This character is often seen in clothing stores and fashion discussions.
Strokes15Radical衤Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, clothing such as 褲 is often associated with modesty and practicality, reflecting societal values. Traditional styles of pants can also signify regional identity.
Memory Tip
Think of 褲 as 'ku' and imagine a pair of pants that are 'cool' (sounds like 'kù'). The character has a radical that resembles a fabric flowing down, representing clothing. Visualize wearing cool pants flowing in the breeze.
Meanings of 褲
kù(ku4)
1pants, trousers
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 褲
褲Simplified
15Strokes
衤Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 褲
Podcast: 褲
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AI Study Notes for 褲
Quick Contrast
裤子 (kùzi) vs 褲 (kù): Use 褲 (kù) in formal writing, while 裤子 (kùzi) is more common in everyday conversation.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 褲 as 'ku' and imagine a pair of pants that are 'cool' (sounds like 'kù'). The character has a radical that resembles a fabric flowing down, representing clothing. Visualize wearing cool pants flowing in the breeze.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when saying 褲, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other words. It is typically used in informal settings but can also be found in advertisements and retail. Common collocations include 褲子 (kùzi) for 'pants' or 'trousers'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 褲 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners who are at an intermediate level as it connects with clothing-related vocabulary. Focus on understanding the character in context with other clothing terms like 衣服 (yīfu) for 'clothes'.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, clothing such as 褲 is often associated with modesty and practicality, reflecting societal values. Traditional styles of pants can also signify regional identity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 褲 with 裤, thinking they are different when they are not; 裤 is just the more colloquial term. Additionally, mispronouncing the tone can lead to misunderstanding, as it may sound like other unrelated words.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 褲
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Cultural Notes for 褲
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, clothing such as 褲 is often associated with modesty and practicality, reflecting societal values. Traditional styles of pants can also signify regional identity.
Word Family of 褲
Words Containing This Character20
裤子kùzitrousers褲子
裤kùpants褲
内裤underpants內褲
牛仔裤niúzǎikùjeans牛仔褲
短裤duǎnkùshorts短褲
长裤trousers長褲
裤裆crotch of trousers褲襠
裤衩underpants褲衩
棉裤quilted cotton trousers棉褲
裤腿trouser leg褲腿
裤带belt (in trousers)褲帶
纸尿裤disposable diaper紙尿褲
裤管trouser leg褲管
衬裤underpants襯褲
灯笼裤bloomers燈籠褲
喇叭裤flared trousers喇叭褲
三角裤briefs三角褲
裙裤culottes裙褲
开裆裤open pants (for infants before toilet training)開襠褲
裤头(dialect) underpants褲頭
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 裤子 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 褲
You can say 短褲 (duǎn kù), where 短 means 'short'. This is a common term for shorts.
Yes, they are essentially the same; 裤子 (kùzi) is just a more colloquial or informal way to refer to pants.
Some common types include 牛仔褲 (niúzǎi kù) for 'jeans' and 运动裤 (yùndòng kù) for 'sports pants'.
