Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
鈎gōu(gou1)
The character 鈎 (gōu) refers to a hook or barb, often used in contexts related to fishing or tools. It can also denote a sickle, a farming implement used for cutting crops. Additionally, it can mean to stroke or to touch lightly, implying a gentle action.
Strokes12Radical釒Frequency#86145DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, fishing is an important livelihood, and tools like 鈎 (hooks) have historical significance in rural communities. They symbolize the connection between nature and human sustenance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fish hook (鈎) that catches a fish with its sharp barb. The character has the radical 金 (metal) indicating something made of metal, suggesting tools like hooks and sickles. Picture yourself stroking the hook gently as you prepare to fish.
Meanings of 鈎
gōu(gou1)
1hook, barb; sickle; to stroke
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鈎
鈎Simplified
12Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鈎
Podcast: 鈎
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 鈎
Quick Contrast
钩 (gōu) — use 鈎 for traditional or literary contexts, while 钩 is more common in modern usage.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fish hook (鈎) that catches a fish with its sharp barb. The character has the radical 金 (metal) indicating something made of metal, suggesting tools like hooks and sickles. Picture yourself stroking the hook gently as you prepare to fish.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 鈎 with similar-sounding characters. It's used in both informal and formal contexts, but tends to appear more in specialized fields like fishing or agriculture. Common collocations include 鈎子 (hook) and 鈎刀 (sickle).
HSK Study Tips
While 鈎 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with HSK Level 4 words related to tools and actions. Focus on its usage in practical contexts, especially in discussions about fishing or farming.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, fishing is an important livelihood, and tools like 鈎 (hooks) have historical significance in rural communities. They symbolize the connection between nature and human sustenance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鈎 with similar characters like 勾 (gōu), which means to hook or to draw. Remember, 鈎 specifically refers to a physical hook or tool, while 勾 is more abstract.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鈎
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 鈎 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 鈎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 鈎
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, fishing is an important livelihood, and tools like 鈎 (hooks) have historical significance in rural communities. They symbolize the connection between nature and human sustenance.
Word Family of 鈎
Words Containing This Character14
钩gōuto hook鉤
上钩to take the bait上鉤
钩子gōuzihook鉤子
脱钩to cut ties脫鉤
鱼钩fishhook魚鉤
挂钩guàgōuto couple掛鉤
拉钩pinky swear拉鉤
钩住to hook onto鉤住
吊钩suspended hook吊鉤
钓钩fishhook釣鉤
钩针crochet hook鉤針
搭钩a hook搭鉤
钩心斗角to fight and scheme against each other (idiom)鉤心鬥角
挠钩iron hook at the end a long pole撓鉤
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 钩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鈎
It is pronounced as 'gōu' with a high-level tone.
You can use it in phrases like 鈎子 (hook) or 鈎刀 (sickle).
It's more common in specific contexts like fishing or agriculture, rather than in everyday conversation.
