HSK 4, n, 5 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #5696, Medium
瓜
guā
gourd
HSK 4, n, 5 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #5696, Medium
瓜
guā
squash
HSK 4, n, 5 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #5696, Medium
瓜
guā
melon, gourd, squash, cucumber
HSK 4, n, 5 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #5696, Medium
guā(gua1) T1
1melon
2gourd
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March 24, 2026
瓜guā(gua1)
The character 瓜 (guā) refers to various types of melons and gourds, including cucumbers and squashes. It is commonly used in both culinary contexts and in expressions, often symbolizing abundance and fertility in Chinese culture.
Strokes5Radical瓜Frequency#5696DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, melons are often associated with good fortune and prosperity, making them popular gifts during the harvest season or at festivals. The presence of melons in Chinese art and literature also signifies abundance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big, green melon (like a watermelon) sitting on a table. The character 瓜 looks like a half-cut melon, with its rounded shape on the top and the lines below representing the melon’s texture. Remember 'guā' as you picture slicing into this juicy fruit.
Meanings of 瓜
guā(gua1)
1melon
2gourd
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 瓜
瓜Simplified
5Strokes
瓜Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5696Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 瓜
Podcast: 瓜
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AI Study Notes for 瓜
Quick Contrast
西瓜 (xīguā) vs 瓜 (guā): Use 瓜 for general references to melons or gourds, while 西瓜 specifically refers to watermelon.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing food. Be careful with its tone; 'guā' with a flat tone can be confused with other characters. Common collocations include '西瓜' (xīguā - watermelon) and '南瓜' (nánguā - pumpkin).
HSK Study Tips
Although 瓜 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it is related to HSK Level 1 food vocabulary. Students should focus on recognizing it in context, especially in phrases related to fruits and vegetables, and understanding its role in Chinese culinary culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 瓜 with similar-sounding words like 夸 (kuā - to boast). An incorrect sentence might be '我喜欢夸' (Wǒ xǐhuān kuā - I like to boast), which should be '我喜欢瓜' (Wǒ xǐhuān guā - I like melons).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瓜
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Etymology of 瓜
Formation TypePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
The character 瓜 (guā) refers to various types of melons and gourds, including cucumbers and squashes. It is commonly used in both culinary contexts and in expressions, often symbolizing abundance and fertility in Chinese culture.
When to use 瓜
This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing food. Be careful with its tone; 'guā' with a flat tone can be confused with other characters. Common collocations include '西瓜' (xīguā - watermelon) and '南瓜' (nánguā - pumpkin).
瓜 or something close to it
西瓜 (xīguā) vs 瓜 (guā): Use 瓜 for general references to melons or gourds, while 西瓜 specifically refers to watermelon.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 瓜 with similar-sounding words like 夸 (kuā - to boast). An incorrect sentence might be '我喜欢夸' (Wǒ xǐhuān kuā - I like to boast), which should be '我喜欢瓜' (Wǒ xǐhuān guā - I like melons).
Write 瓜
瓜
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Practice writing 瓜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 瓜
瓜 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 4 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.
