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March 24, 2026
壶(壺)hú(hu2)
The character 壶 (hú) primarily refers to a pot or jug, often used for holding liquids such as tea or water. It can also function as a classifier for bottled liquids, similar to how one might use 'bottle' in English. In daily life, you might encounter this word in contexts related to cooking, serving beverages, or discussing traditional tea practices.
Strokes10Radical士Frequency#7643DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the teapot (壶) is not just a functional item but also an integral part of tea ceremonies, symbolizing hospitality and respect. Traditional teapots are often beautifully crafted and can be considered works of art.
Memory Tip
Imagine a round, bulbous pot (壶) with a handle, reminiscent of a friendly giant holding a jug of tea. The radical '土' (earth) at the bottom suggests the pot is made from clay, connecting the character's form to its meaning as a vessel.
Meanings of 壶
hú(hu2)
1pot
2classifier for bottled liquid
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 壶
壶Simplified
壺Traditional
10Strokes
士Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7643Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 壶
Podcast: 壶
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AI Study Notes for 壶
Quick Contrast
壶 (hú) vs 瓶 (píng) — use 壶 when specifically referring to a pot or jug for liquids, while 瓶 refers to a bottle.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a round, bulbous pot (壶) with a handle, reminiscent of a friendly giant holding a jug of tea. The radical '土' (earth) at the bottom suggests the pot is made from clay, connecting the character's form to its meaning as a vessel.
Usage Notes
While using 壶, learners sometimes confuse it with similar words for containers. It's important to use 壶 specifically for pots or jugs, not for all types of containers. Additionally, be mindful of the tone, as a mispronunciation could lead to misunderstandings with other words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 壶 connects well with other vocabulary related to cooking and dining. Students should focus on its usage in various contexts, especially in phrases related to tea culture and household items. Familiarity with related classifiers will enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the teapot (壶) is not just a functional item but also an integral part of tea ceremonies, symbolizing hospitality and respect. Traditional teapots are often beautifully crafted and can be considered works of art.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 壶 with other container words like 瓶 (píng) or 罐 (guàn). For example, saying '我有两瓶茶壶' (I have two bottles of teapots) is incorrect; it should be '我有两壶茶' (I have two pots of tea).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 壶
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Grammar Patterns of 壶
壶 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
煤火烧得正旺，上面的铁茶____嘶嘶地响个不停。
The iron teakettle was hissing splendidly over live coals.
Example Sentences for 壶 (10)
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1
煤火烧得正旺，上面的铁茶壶嘶嘶地响个不停。
méi huǒ shāo dé zhèng wàng， ， shàng miàn de tiě chá hú sī sī dì xiǎng gè bù。
The iron teakettle was hissing splendidly over live coals.
2
她正在鼓捣咖啡壶，那壶又坏了。
tā zhèng zài gǔ dǎo kā fēi hú， ， nà hú yòu huài。
She was messing with the coffee pot, which was acting up again.
3
她说话间，我把水壶灌满并插上了电源。
tā shuō huà jiān， ， wǒ bǎ shuǐ hú guàn mǎn bìng chā shàng le diàn。
I filled the kettle while she was talking and plugged it in.
4
婴儿往便壶里撒了尿。
yīng ér wǎng biàn hú lǐ sā le niào。
The baby has done a wee in his potty.
5
好吧，我来烧壶水，我们沏点茶喝。
hǎo bā， ， wǒ lái shāo hú， shuǐ ， wǒ mén qī diǎn。
Well then, I'll put the kettle on and make us some tea.
6
我把他放到便壶上，他撒了点尿。
wǒ bǎ tā fàng dào biàn hú shàng， ， tā sā le diǎn。
I put him on his pot, he did some wee.
7
壶里的水开了吗？
hú lǐ de shuǐ kāi le ma？
Is the kettle boiling?
8
壶里的水开了，冒着蒸汽。
hú lǐ de shuǐ kāi le， ， mào zháo zhēng。
Steam rose from the boiling kettle.
9
我要烧壶水沏茶，或者煮些咖啡。
wǒ yào shāo hú shuǐ qī chá， ， huò zhě zhǔ xiē kā。
I'll put on the kettle for tea. Or boil up some coffee.
10
要我按铃叫一壶新沏的茶水吗？
yào wǒ àn líng jiào yī hú xīn qī de chá shuǐ ma？
Shall I ring for a fresh pot of tea?
Cultural Notes for 壶
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the teapot (壶) is not just a functional item but also an integral part of tea ceremonies, symbolizing hospitality and respect. Traditional teapots are often beautifully crafted and can be considered works of art.
Word Family of 壶
Words Containing This Character15
壶húpot壺
水壶shuǐhúkettle水壺
茶壶teapot茶壺
咖啡壶coffee pot咖啡壺
夜壶chamber pot夜壺
酒壶wine pot酒壺
便壶bed urinal便壺
鼻烟壶snuff bottle鼻煙壺
喷壶spray bottle噴壺
暖壶vacuum flask暖壺
壶关Huguan county in Changzhi 長治|长治[Chángzhì], Shanxi壺關
壶关县Huguan county in Changzhi 長治|长治[Chángzhì], Shanxi壺關縣
漏壶water clock漏壺
箪食壶浆to give troops a hearty welcome簞食壺漿
壶铃kettlebell, girya壺鈴
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 壶 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 壶
You can use 壶 in a sentence like '我买了一壶茶' (I bought a pot of tea).
No, 壶 can refer to any kind of pot or jug used for liquids, but it's most commonly associated with tea.
壶 is typically used for pots or jugs, especially those meant for pouring, while 罐 is used for cans or jars.
