Learn a Chinese Character - 渴

1. Character Basics

Radical: 氵 (water radical)

Stroke Count: 12

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: kě

3. Meaning

English meaning: thirsty

4. Common Words

• 口渴 (kǒu kě) - thirsty
• 渴望 (kě wàng) - long for, yearn for
• 解渴 (jiě kě) - quench thirst
• 渴盼 (kě pàn) - eagerly anticipate
• 渴慕 (kě mù) - admire, long for

5. Grammar & Usage

Usage notes:

• 作为形容词，表示身体缺水的状态：我很渴。(I am very thirsty.)
• 常见结构：口渴、很渴、太渴了
• 与"望"、"盼"等词组合，表示强烈的愿望：渴望成功。(Long for success.)
• 可以重叠使用，如"渴渴的"表示轻微的口渴感

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, thirst is often used metaphorically to represent strong desire or longing. This can be seen in expressions like "渴望知识" (thirst for knowledge) or "渴慕已久" (longed for a long time). The character itself combines the water radical with "曷", showing the connection between water and quenching thirst.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Mnemonic: The character "渴" has "氵" (water) on the left and "曷" on the right. Imagine someone who is very thirsty (渴) desperately needing water (氵) to quench their thirst.