Meanings of 勾
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 勾
Podcast: 勾
Podcast: 勾
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 勾
勾 (gōu) vs 拉 (lā) — choose 勾 when emphasizing hooking or attracting, while 拉 focuses on pulling or drawing something closer.
Imagine a fisherman (勾) using a hook (钩) to catch a fish. The hook not only catches the fish but also draws attention, symbolizing how 勾 attracts or connects things, much like the sound 'gōu' resembles the hook's action of drawing in.
Learners often confuse 勾 with similar characters like 钩 (gōu), which specifically means 'hook.' It's important to use 勾 in contexts of attraction or drawing connections rather than just physical hooks. Additionally, be mindful of the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
Although 勾 is not part of the HSK, it shares roots with other characters like 钩 and can be connected to verbs that describe actions of drawing or enticing. Focus on the different contexts in which 勾 can be used to enhance your vocabulary related to attraction and delineation.
In traditional Chinese calligraphy and art, 勾 is often used to describe the technique of sketching outlines before filling in details, which reflects the importance of precision and planning in Chinese artistic practices.
Learners might mistakenly use 勾 in contexts where 钩 is appropriate, such as when referring to physical hooks. For example, saying '我需要一个勾' (I need a hook) should be '我需要一个钩'.
Pronunciation of 勾
Drill the tone of 勾 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 勾
勾 is a component form of 句.
Decomposition of 勾
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 勾?
Write 勾
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 勾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 勾
勾 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 11 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
...
这件事情是我勾出来的。
This matter was brought up by me.
Build the Sentence
This matter was brought up by me.
Common Confusions with 勾
Similar pronunciation but used in a more specific context.
勾 is often confused with 钩 due to similar pronunciation and meaning related to 'hook'.
钩子是用来勾东西的。
勾 is often confused with 钩 due to similar pronunciation and meaning related to 'hook'.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to attract"?
Usage Notes for 勾
勾 should not be used interchangeably with other verbs unless the context clearly supports it.
请不要随便勾别人。
Please do not casually collude with others.
Fill in the Blank
请不要随便____别人。
Please do not casually collude with others.
Example Sentences for 勾 (10)
Cultural Notes for 勾
In traditional Chinese calligraphy and art, 勾 is often used to describe the technique of sketching outlines before filling in details, which reflects the importance of precision and planning in Chinese artistic practices.
Word Family of 勾
Compound Meaning
What does 构 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 勾
No, 勾 can be used positively to describe attraction or connection, but it can also imply collusion or deceit in certain contexts.