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) 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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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
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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
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1The giveawayA metal 钅 hook 勾; 勾 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 钩? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 钩?
Decomposition of 钩
IDS Structure⿰钅勾
钩Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
勾Gou1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 钩?
How to say to hook in Chinese
“to hook” in Chinese is钩gōu
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
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Practice writing 钩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
