Learn a Chinese Character - 钩

1. Character Basics

Radical: 钅/金 (jīn, metal/gold, indicates related to metal objects)

Stroke Count: 9

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Gōu (First tone)

3. Meaning

Core Meaning: Hook; bent tool; to hook; to curve; to fasten with a hook

The character "钩" primarily refers to a curved or bent metal tool used for catching, holding, or pulling things. It can also be used as a verb meaning to hook or to curve. Metaphorically, it can describe something that catches attention or attracts.

4. Common Words

• 钩子 (gōu zi) - Hook

  他用钩子把绳子拉了上来。
  He pulled up the rope with a hook.

• 挂钩 (guà gōu) - To hook; to link; to connect

  这个项目与公司的战略目标挂钩。
  This project is linked to the company's strategic goals.

• 鱼钩 (yú gōu) - Fishhook

  他在鱼钩上挂了虫子作为鱼饵。
  He put a worm on the fishhook as bait.

• 钩针 (gōu zhēn) - Crochet hook

  她用钩针编织了一条漂亮的围巾。
  She knitted a beautiful scarf with a crochet hook.

• 挂钩 (guà gōu) - Hanger; hook

  请把你的外套挂在挂钩上。
  Please hang your coat on the hook.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Can be used as a noun or a verb

Usage Patterns:

• As a noun: Often used with classifiers like 个 (gè), 把 (bǎ)

  一个钩子 (yí gè gōu zi) - A hook

• As a verb: Followed by objects or used in verb-object constructions

  钩住 (gōu zhù) - To hook; to catch on

• Common collocations:
  • 钩住 (gōu zhù) - To hook; to catch on
  • 钩破 (gōu pò) - To tear with a hook
  • 钩心斗角 (gōu xīn dòu jiǎo) - Intrigues and struggles for power
  • 钩织 (gōu zhī) - To crochet; to knit with a hook

6. Cultural Background

The character "钩" has various cultural connotations in Chinese society:

• Historical tools: Hooks have been essential tools in Chinese daily life and fishing for thousands of years, reflecting the practical side of Chinese culture.
• Martial arts: Certain traditional Chinese martial arts weapons, like the hook sword (钩剑 gōu jiàn), incorporate hook-like designs for both offense and defense.
• Art and craftsmanship: Intricate hook designs can be found in traditional Chinese metalwork, furniture, and decorative items.
• Idiomatic expressions: The phrase "钩心斗角" (gōu xīn dòu jiǎo), originally describing the complex architectural designs of ancient palaces, now metaphorically refers to intrigues and power struggles.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

How to remember "钩" (gōu):

1. Component breakdown: The character consists of 钅(metal radical) on the left and 勾(gōu, hook) on the right. You can remember it as "a metal hook."
2. Visual association: Imagine a curved metal hook, which directly relates to the character's meaning.
3. Mnemonic phrase: "金属钩子弯又尖" (jīn shǔ gōu zi wān yòu jiān) - "The metal hook is curved and sharp." This helps connect the components and the meaning.
4. Related words: Focus on common words like 钩子 (hook) and 鱼钩 (fishhook), which have clear visual associations that can help reinforce the character in your memory.