HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6221, Very Hard
钩
gōu
to sew
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6221, Very Hard
钩
gōu
to crochet
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6221, Very Hard
钩
gōu
hook
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6221, Very Hard
钩
gōu
check mark or tick
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6221, Very Hard
钩
gōu
window catch
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6221, Very Hard
钩
gōu
hook, barb, sickle; to hook, to link
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6221, Very Hard
gōu(gou1)gou T1
1to hook
2to sew
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
钩(鈎)gōu(gou1)
The character 钩 (gōu) primarily means 'hook' and can refer to various types of hooks used in sewing, crocheting, or fishing. It also denotes a check mark or tick, which signifies correctness or affirmation. In contexts like sewing, it implies the action of hooking or linking materials together.
Strokes9Radical钅Frequency#6221DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, hooks are not only practical tools but also symbolic of connection and securing relationships, as seen in traditional crafts and fishing practices that date back centuries.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant hook (钩) pulling together two pieces of fabric. The character has a hook shape at the top, reminiscent of its function to connect or secure. Picture a fisherman using a hook to catch fish, reinforcing the pronunciation 'gōu' with the sound of the fish being caught.
Meanings of 钩
gōu(gou1)
1to hook
2to sew
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 钩 means.
About 钩
钩Simplified
鈎Traditional
9Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6221Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 钩
Podcast: 钩
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 钩
Quick Contrast
钩 (gōu) vs 挂 (guà) — choose 钩 when referring specifically to a hook or the action of hooking, while 挂 denotes hanging something up.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation; 'gōu' is the correct tone, as using 'gǒu' (狗) means 'dog.' It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in everyday language. Common collocations include 钩子 (gōuzi - hook) and 钩编 (gōubiān - crochet).
HSK Study Tips
Although 钩 is not yet included in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other HSK words related to tools and actions, like 剪 (jiǎn - cut) and 绣 (xiù - embroider). Students should focus on recognizing its use in practical contexts like crafting or fishing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 钩 with similar-sounding words. For example, using it in a context related to dogs, such as '我有一个钩' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè gōu - I have a hook) instead of '狗' (gǒu - dog) can lead to confusion. Ensure correct tone usage to avoid misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钩
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 钩 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 钩 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 钩?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 钩 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 钩 (gōu) primarily means 'hook' and can refer to various types of hooks used in sewing, crocheting, or fishing. It also denotes a check mark or tick, which signifies correctness or affirmation. In contexts like sewing, it implies the action of hooking or linking materials together.
When to use 钩
Be cautious with the pronunciation; 'gōu' is the correct tone, as using 'gǒu' (狗) means 'dog.' It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in everyday language. Common collocations include 钩子 (gōuzi - hook) and 钩编 (gōubiān - crochet).
钩 or something close to it
钩 (gōu) vs 挂 (guà) — choose 钩 when referring specifically to a hook or the action of hooking, while 挂 denotes hanging something up.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 钩 with similar-sounding words. For example, using it in a context related to dogs, such as '我有一个钩' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè gōu - I have a hook) instead of '狗' (gǒu - dog) can lead to confusion. Ensure correct tone usage to avoid misunderstandings.
Write 钩
钩
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 钩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 钩
钩 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 7 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
