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挂号 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
挂号guàhàoto register (a letter etc)HSK 5, n, 14 strokes, rank #35884, Hard
挂号guàhàoto register (at a hospital etc)HSK 5, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #35884, Hard
挂号guàhàoto send by registered mailHSK 5, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #35884, Hard
guàhào(gua4hao4)gua hao T4
  1. 1to register (a letter etc)
  2. 2to register (at a hospital etc)
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March 24, 2026

挂号(掛號)guàhào(gua4hao4)

挂号 refers to the process of registering something, like a letter or at a hospital. In a medical context, it involves signing up to see a doctor, often requiring a fee. This term is commonly used in administrative and healthcare settings.

Strokes14Frequency#35884DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, registering at a hospital is a crucial first step in accessing healthcare services, often involving long waiting times. It's not just about seeing a doctor but also about navigating a complex healthcare system.

Memory Tip

Think of 挂号 as 'hanging a number on the wall' (挂 = to hang, 号 = number). Imagine a hospital where patients hang a number tag to wait for their turn, helping you remember the pronunciation and meaning.

Meanings of 挂号

guàhào(gua4hao4)
1to register (a letter etc)
2to register (at a hospital etc)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 挂号

挂号Simplified
掛號Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#35884Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 挂号

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Podcast: 挂号

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AI Study Notes for 挂号

Quick Contrast

预约 (yùyuē) - use 挂号 when specifically referring to registering for a service or appointment, while 预约 emphasizes making an appointment in advance.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 挂号 with just the verb 挂 (to hang), which has a broader meaning. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, especially when discussing hospital visits or mailing letters. The tone can slip into a casual register if not careful, so use it appropriately in formal contexts.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 挂号 connects to other medical and administrative vocabulary you are learning. Focus on using it in context, particularly in dialogues about health or postal services.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 挂号 with similar-sounding words or use it incorrectly in contexts not related to registration. For example, saying '我挂号一个账户' (I register an account) is incorrect; use '我注册一个账户' instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 挂号

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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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Component Characters

挂guàto hang or suspend (from a hook etc)
HSK 49 strokes扌
View full entry
号hàoordinal number
HSK 15 strokes口
View full entry

How to say to register (a letter etc) in Chinese

“to register (a letter etc)” in Chinese is挂号guàhào

挂号 refers to the process of registering something, like a letter or at a hospital. In a medical context, it involves signing up to see a doctor, often requiring a fee. This term is commonly used in administrative and healthcare settings.

When to use 挂号

Be careful not to confuse 挂号 with just the verb 挂 (to hang), which has a broader meaning. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, especially when discussing hospital visits or mailing letters. The tone can slip into a casual register if not careful, so use it appropriately in formal contexts.

挂号 or something close to it

预约 (yùyuē) - use 挂号 when specifically referring to registering for a service or appointment, while 预约 emphasizes making an appointment in advance.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 挂号 with similar-sounding words or use it incorrectly in contexts not related to registration. For example, saying '我挂号一个账户' (I register an account) is incorrect; use '我注册一个账户' instead.

Write 挂号

挂
号

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

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Grammar Patterns of 挂号

挂号 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 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 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

对于大额的支票和汇款单要使用____邮寄。

Use recorded delivery for large cheques or money orders.

Example Sentences for 挂号 (3)

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1
对于大额的支票和汇款单要使用挂号邮寄。

duì yú dà é de zhī piào hé huì kuǎn dān yào shǐ yòng guà hào yóu jì。

Use recorded delivery for large cheques or money orders.
2
他让他妈妈用挂号邮件寄。

tā ràng tā mā mā yòng guà hào yóu jiàn jì。

He asked his mother to send it by registered mail.
3
确保把所有的摄影资料包装妥当并挂号寄出.

què bǎo bǎ suǒ yǒu de shè yǐng zī liào bāo zhuāng tuǒ dāng bìng guà hào jì chū.

Ensure all photographic material is properly packed and sent by recorded delivery.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 挂号

挂号 specifically refers to registering for services like hospital visits or sending mail, while 注册 generally means to sign up or register for something more general, such as a course or an account.

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