Meanings of 具
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About 具
Podcast: 具
Podcast: 具
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AI Study Notes for 具
具 (jù) vs 提供 (tígōng) — use 具 when emphasizing the provision of tools or equipment, while 提供 focuses more on the act of providing in a general sense.
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 具, as a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely. It is often used with specific nouns to indicate the type of equipment or ability, such as '工具' (gōngjù - tool) or '能力' (nénglì - ability). Avoid using it in overly casual contexts as it can sound too formal.
While 具 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to tools and abilities, such as 力 (lì - strength) and 工 (gōng - work). Focus on using 具 in phrases that combine it with other nouns to express specific meanings, such as '具有' (jùyǒu - to possess).
Learners often confuse 具 with similar-sounding words; for example, saying '聚' (jù - to gather) instead of 具. Make sure to associate 具 with tools and abilities to avoid this mistake.
Pronunciation of 具
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Etymology of 具
Depicts two hands (廾) handling a cooking pot (鼎).
Two hands 八 writing on a tablet 目
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 具
Depicts two hands (廾) handling a cooking pot (鼎).
- 1The giveawayTwo hands 八 writing on a tablet 目
- 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 具? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 具?
Decomposition of 具
Identify the Components
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How to say tool in Chinese
“tool” in Chinese is具
The character 具 (jù) refers to tools, devices, or equipment used for specific purposes. It also conveys the idea of possessing talents or abilities, and can function as a verb meaning 'to provide' or 'to furnish.' This word is commonly used in both technical and everyday contexts, emphasizing functionality and capability.
When to use 具
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 具, as a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely. It is often used with specific nouns to indicate the type of equipment or ability, such as '工具' (gōngjù - tool) or '能力' (nénglì - ability). Avoid using it in overly casual contexts as it can sound too formal.
具 or something close to it
具 (jù) vs 提供 (tígōng) — use 具 when emphasizing the provision of tools or equipment, while 提供 focuses more on the act of providing in a general sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 具 with similar-sounding words; for example, saying '聚' (jù - to gather) instead of 具. Make sure to associate 具 with tools and abilities to avoid this mistake.
Write 具
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Practice writing 具 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 具
具 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 14 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.
Complete the Sentence
关于明天的考试，学校做了____体的规定。
Regarding tomorrow's exam, the school has made specific arrangements.
Example Sentences for 具 (10)
Cultural Notes for 具
汉字‘具’的构造有趣，它由‘八’和‘目’两个部分组成。‘八’代表两手，‘目’则象征着工具的使用，形成了一个有形的意义，表示用手去操作工具。
在西方文化中，工具和设备是提高工作效率的关键。在中国文化中，‘具’不仅指工具，还强调能力和才能，体现了对全面发展的重视。
Word Family of 具
Compound Meaning
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Frequently Asked Questions about 具
Some common phrases that include 具 (jù) are '器具' (qìjù) meaning 'equipment' and '具备' (jù bèi) meaning 'to possess' or 'to have'. These phrases are frequently used in both everyday conversation and technical contexts.
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