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轂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
轂gǔthe hub of a wheelzg, 17 strokes, radical 車
gǔ(gu3) T3
  1. 1the hub of a wheel
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

轂gǔ(gu3)

The character 轂 (gǔ) refers specifically to the hub of a wheel, which is the central part that connects the wheel to the axle. It is commonly used in contexts related to vehicles and machinery, symbolizing stability and support. In a broader sense, it can also imply a central point around which other elements revolve.

Strokes17Radical車
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the wheel is a significant invention symbolizing progress and movement. The hub, or 轂, is essential for understanding the engineering behind ancient chariots and modern vehicles, reflecting China's rich history in transportation innovation.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant wheel with a strong, sturdy hub at its center. The character 轂 has a strong visual component, with the top part resembling a wheel and the bottom part suggesting a solid base. You can think of it as 'gǔ' holding everything together like the glue that keeps a wheel functional.

Meanings of 轂

gǔ(gu3)
1the hub of a wheel
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 轂

轂Simplified
17Strokes
車Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 轂

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Podcast: 轂

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AI Study Notes for 轂

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 轂 with other similar characters, especially when writing, as the components can look alike. It is typically used in more technical or formal contexts, particularly in discussions relating to transportation or engineering. Common collocations include terms related to vehicles, such as '车轂' (wheel hub).

HSK Study Tips

While 轂 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it provides a good opportunity to connect with other vehicle-related terms. At a higher level, students can focus on compound words that include 轂, enhancing their technical vocabulary in Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 轂 with similar characters that have different meanings, leading to incorrect usage. For example, using 轂 when referring to a general 'wheel' instead of the specific 'hub'. The correct term for 'wheel' is 轮 (lún).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 轂

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Etymology of 轂

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

wheel

Semantic (meaning)車
+
Phonetic (sound)殳
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 轂

  1. 1The meaning half車 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half殳 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaywheel
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 轂? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 轂?

Decomposition of 轂

IDS Structure⿰⿱⿳士冖一車殳
轂Full Character
=
士Shi4
top
冖mi4
middle
一yi1
bottom
車che1
殳Shu1
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 轂?

How to say the hub of a wheel in Chinese

“the hub of a wheel” in Chinese is轂gǔ

The character 轂 (gǔ) refers specifically to the hub of a wheel, which is the central part that connects the wheel to the axle. It is commonly used in contexts related to vehicles and machinery, symbolizing stability and support. In a broader sense, it can also imply a central point around which other elements revolve.

When to use 轂

Be careful not to confuse 轂 with other similar characters, especially when writing, as the components can look alike. It is typically used in more technical or formal contexts, particularly in discussions relating to transportation or engineering. Common collocations include terms related to vehicles, such as '车轂' (wheel hub).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 轂 with similar characters that have different meanings, leading to incorrect usage. For example, using 轂 when referring to a general 'wheel' instead of the specific 'hub'. The correct term for 'wheel' is 轮 (lún).

Write 轂

轂

Practice writing 轂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 轂

Words Containing This Character2
轮毂wheel hub輪轂
毂gūwheel轂
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 轮毂 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 轂

It is pronounced as 'gǔ', with a falling tone.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 轂?

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