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顆 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
顆kēgrain, kernelzg, 17 strokes, radical 頁, rank #57775, Very Hard
kē(ke1)ke T1
  1. 1grain, kernel
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March 24, 2026

顆kē(ke1)

The character 顆 (kē) refers to a small, individual unit of something, often used to describe grains or kernels, such as seeds or small fruits. It conveys a sense of countability and is commonly used in contexts related to food, agriculture, or even abstract concepts like small amounts of something.

Strokes17Radical頁Frequency#57775DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, grains such as rice are fundamental to the diet, and the character 顆 highlights the importance of agriculture and food in daily life. Understanding this character can deepen appreciation for food-related conversations and traditions.

Memory tip

Imagine a small grain of rice (representing 顆) sitting on a scale, weighing just a 'kē' (sounds like 'key'). The character's left side (月) resembles a grain or a little piece of food, while the right side (可) reminds you that it's something that can be counted.

Meanings of 顆

kē(ke1)
1grain, kernel
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 顆

顆Simplified
17Strokes
頁Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 顆

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Podcast: 顆

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AI Study Notes for 顆

Quick Contrast

粒 (lì) - use 顆 (kē) for small, individual units like seeds, while 粒 (lì) is often used for small, round particles or grains.

Usage Notes

While using 顆, remember it is typically used with measure words to count small, round items, such as '一顆米' (one grain of rice). Avoid using it for larger items or when the item is not countable, as this can lead to confusion.

HSK Study Tips

Although 顆 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects with other measure words and food-related vocabulary that learners encounter. Focus on recognizing it in context, especially when discussing food or small items.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 顆 with other measure words, using it incorrectly for items that are not round or small, such as '一顆書' (one book), which should be '一本書'. Always ensure the item is appropriate for this measure word.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 顆

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Etymology of 顆

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 果 represents the meaning and 页 represents the sound. Simplified form of 顆.

Memory hint

grain

Semantic (meaning)果
+
Phonetic (sound)頁
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

顆 = 果 + 頁. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 顆

IDS Structure⿰果頁
顆Full character
=
果guo3
left
頁ye4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 顆?

How to say grain, kernel in Chinese

“grain, kernel” in Chinese is顆kē

The character 顆 (kē) refers to a small, individual unit of something, often used to describe grains or kernels, such as seeds or small fruits. It conveys a sense of countability and is commonly used in contexts related to food, agriculture, or even abstract concepts like small amounts of something.

When to use 顆

While using 顆, remember it is typically used with measure words to count small, round items, such as '一顆米' (one grain of rice). Avoid using it for larger items or when the item is not countable, as this can lead to confusion.

顆 or something close to it

粒 (lì) - use 顆 (kē) for small, individual units like seeds, while 粒 (lì) is often used for small, round particles or grains.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 顆 with other measure words, using it incorrectly for items that are not round or small, such as '一顆書' (one book), which should be '一本書'. Always ensure the item is appropriate for this measure word.

Write 顆

顆

Practice writing 顆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 顆

Words containing this character2
颗kēclassifier for small spheres, pearls, corn grains, teeth, hearts, satellites etc顆
颗粒kernel顆粒
Exercise 1 of 2

Characters with 顆

What does 颗 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 顆

顆 means 'grain' or 'kernel', referring to small, countable units of something.

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