Chinese Character: 构
1. Character Basics
Radical: 木/木 (mù, tree/wood, indicates related to trees, wood, or construction)
Stroke Count: 8
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Gòu (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Core Meaning: Construct; build; form; compose; organize; structure; frame
The character "构" primarily denotes the action of building or constructing something, either physically or conceptually. It implies putting together parts to form a whole, creating a structure or organization.
4. Common Words
- 构成 (gòu chéng) - To constitute; to form; composition
Example: 水由氢和氧构成。(Shuǐ yóu qīng hé yǎng gòu chéng.) - Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen. - 结构 (jié gòu) - Structure; framework; organization
Example: 这栋建筑的结构很稳固。(Zhè dòng jiàn zhù de jié gòu hěn wěn gù.) - The structure of this building is very stable. - 构建 (gòu jiàn) - To construct; to build; to establish
Example: 我们需要构建一个新的系统。(Wǒ men xū yào gòu jiàn yī gè xīn de xì tǒng.) - We need to build a new system. - 构思 (gòu sī) - Conception; idea; to conceive
Example: 这个项目的构思很新颖。(Zhè ge xiàng mù de gòu sī hěn xīn yǐng.) - The conception of this project is very innovative. - 机构 (jī gòu) - Organization; institution; mechanism
Example: 这是一个政府机构。(Zhè shì yī gè zhèng fǔ jī gòu.) - This is a government organization.
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Mainly used as a verb or noun
Usage Patterns:
- As a verb: Often followed by objects, indicating the action of constructing or forming something
- As a noun: Usually refers to structure or organization
Common Collocations:
- 构图 (gòu tú) - Composition (in art)
- 构想 (gòu xiǎng) - Conception; idea
- 构造 (gòu zào) - Structure; construction
- 解构 (jiě gòu) - Deconstruction
- 虚构 (xū gòu) - Fiction; fabrication
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the character "构" carries rich connotations related to creation, organization, and structure. It reflects the traditional Chinese emphasis on harmony, order, and the interconnectedness of parts within a whole.
Historically, "构" was often associated with architectural construction, which held great significance in Chinese civilization. The character embodies the concept of deliberate creation - whether building physical structures, organizing societies, or forming ideas.
In philosophical contexts, "构" can relate to the idea of forming connections between things, which aligns with traditional Chinese thinking about the relationship between individuals and society, as well as between humans and nature.
7. Example Sentence
1. 我们正在构建一个新的图书馆。
(Wǒ men zhèng zài gòu jiàn yī gè xīn de tú shū guǎn.)
We are building a new library.
2. 这个理论的结构很复杂。
(Zhè ge lǐ lùn de jié gòu hěn fù zá.)
The structure of this theory is very complex.
3. 艺术家正在构思他的下一个作品。
(Yì shù jiā zhèng zài gòu sī tā de xià yī gè zuò pǐn.)
The artist is conceiving his next work.
8. Memory Tips
1. Component Breakdown:
The character "构" consists of two parts:
- Left: 木 (mù) - tree/wood (radical)
- Right: 勾 (gōu) - hook; to hook
- Think of "hooking together wooden parts" to build something.
2. Visual Association:
Imagine building a structure with wooden beams connected together - this visual can help you remember the meaning of "构" (construct, build).
3. Memory Mnemonic:
"木 (wood) + 勾 (hook) = 构 (construct)": Hooks connect wooden pieces to construct something.
4. Related Words Practice:
Practice writing and using words containing "构" such as 构成 (gòu chéng), 结构 (jié gòu), and 构建 (gòu jiàn) to reinforce your memory of the character.