Meanings of 顧
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About 顧
Podcast: 顧
Podcast: 顧
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AI Study Notes for 顧
顾 (gù) vs 照顾 (zhàogù) — use 顾 (gù) when emphasizing looking back or reflecting, while 照顾 (zhàogù) specifically focuses on caring for someone or something.
Learners often confuse 顧 with other similar characters like 看 (kàn, to see) or 照顧 (zhàogù, to take care of). This character is more formal in tone, often appearing in literary or reflective contexts. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing gù, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
While 顧 is not currently part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to themes of reflection and care found in other beginner words. Students should focus on recognizing the character components and associations with care and attention.
Students sometimes confuse 顧 with 照顧, mistakenly using it in contexts that require the latter. For example, saying '我顧孩子' (I look after the child) is correct, but using '我顧的孩子' (the child I look at) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 顧
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Learning Lab
Knowing 顧 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.
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Etymology of 顧
Simplified form of 顧. Phonosemantic compound. 頁 represents the meaning and 雇 represents the sound.
head
Origin
顧 = 頁 + 雇. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 顧
Parts
Which of these is part of 顧?
How to say to look back; to look at; to look after in Chinese
“to look back; to look at; to look after” in Chinese is顧
The character 顧 (gù) primarily means 'to look back' or 'to look after.' It is often used in contexts where someone is reflecting on the past or caring for someone or something. This character can convey a sense of attentiveness or consideration.
When to use 顧
Learners often confuse 顧 with other similar characters like 看 (kàn, to see) or 照顧 (zhàogù, to take care of). This character is more formal in tone, often appearing in literary or reflective contexts. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing gù, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
顧 or something close to it
顾 (gù) vs 照顾 (zhàogù) — use 顾 (gù) when emphasizing looking back or reflecting, while 照顾 (zhàogù) specifically focuses on caring for someone or something.
What learners get wrong
Students sometimes confuse 顧 with 照顧, mistakenly using it in contexts that require the latter. For example, saying '我顧孩子' (I look after the child) is correct, but using '我顧的孩子' (the child I look at) is incorrect.
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Word Family of 顧
Words with 顧
What does 照顾 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 顧
You can say '我顧著我的朋友' (I look after my friend) to show care.
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