Meanings of 骨头
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Podcast: 骨头
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AI study notes for 骨头
骨 (gǔ) refers to 'bone' in a more general or abstract sense, while 骨头 (gǔ tóu) specifically denotes 'bone' as a physical object or structure.
Be cautious with the pronunciation of 骨头, as the tones are important; the first character is pronounced with a falling tone (gǔ) and the second with a rising tone (tóu). Common collocations include 骨头汤 (bone soup) and 坚硬的骨头 (hard bones). This term is generally informal, so consider the context when using it in formal settings.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 骨头 connects with other words related to health and anatomy, such as 身体 (shēn tǐ, body) and 组织 (zǔ zhī, organization). Students should focus on understanding both its literal and metaphorical uses, which can enrich vocabulary and comprehension.
Learners often confuse 骨头 with just 骨 when discussing anatomy. For example, saying '我有很多骨头' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō gǔ) instead of '我有很多骨头' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō gǔ tóu) omits the colloquial nuance. Another mistake is mispronouncing the tones, which can change the meaning.
Pronunciation of 骨头
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Component characters
How to say bone in Chinese
“bone” in Chinese is骨头
The term 骨头 (gǔ tóu) primarily refers to 'bone,' which is the hard structure forming the skeleton of vertebrates. It can also metaphorically describe someone's moral character or the essence of something, often implying bitterness or toughness in character or situation. This word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as discussing physical health or moral integrity.
When to use 骨头
Be cautious with the pronunciation of 骨头, as the tones are important; the first character is pronounced with a falling tone (gǔ) and the second with a rising tone (tóu). Common collocations include 骨头汤 (bone soup) and 坚硬的骨头 (hard bones). This term is generally informal, so consider the context when using it in formal settings.
骨头 or something close to it
骨 (gǔ) refers to 'bone' in a more general or abstract sense, while 骨头 (gǔ tóu) specifically denotes 'bone' as a physical object or structure.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 骨头 with just 骨 when discussing anatomy. For example, saying '我有很多骨头' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō gǔ) instead of '我有很多骨头' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō gǔ tóu) omits the colloquial nuance. Another mistake is mispronouncing the tones, which can change the meaning.
Write 骨头
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Grammar patterns of 骨头
骨头 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.
Fill the gap
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跟肉铺老板要煲汤用的____（最好是髓骨）。
Ask the butcher for soup bones (marrow bones are best).
Example sentences for 骨头 (10)
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Frequently asked questions about 骨头
骨 (gǔ) means 'bone' generally, while 骨头 (gǔ tóu) often refers to bones in a more casual context or can imply the essence of something.
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