Chinese Character: 壳
1. Character Basics
Radical: 士 (scholar radical)
Stroke Count: 7
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: ké (colloquial), qiào (literary)
3. Meaning
English meaning: shell, husk, outer covering
4. Common Words
- 贝壳 (bèi ké) - seashell
- 蛋壳 (dàn ké) - eggshell
- 外壳 (wài ké) - outer shell, casing
- 壳子 (ké zi) - shell (colloquial)
- 地壳 (dì qiào) - earth's crust
5. Grammar & Usage
Usage notes:
- 通常用作名词，表示物体的外层或外壳
- 口语中多读"ké"，书面语或科学术语中多读"qiào"
- 可以作定语，如"壳聚糖"
6. Cultural Background
Shells have played important roles in Chinese culture throughout history. Cowrie shells (贝壳) were used as currency in ancient China, and the character for "money" (贝) itself resembles a shell. In traditional medicine, certain shells are used for their healing properties.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 小朋友在海边捡了很多漂亮的贝壳。
Pinyin: Xiǎopéngyǒu zài hǎibiān jiǎn le hěnduō piàoliang de bèiké.
English: The children picked up many beautiful seashells at the beach.
8. Memory Tips
Mnemonic: The character "壳" has "士" (scholar) on top and "几" (table) below. Imagine a scholar studying shells on a table.