Meanings of 馘
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 馘
Podcast: 馘
Podcast: 馘
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 馘
Due to its violent connotations, 馘 (guó) is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more commonly found in historical texts. Learners should be cautious about using it in casual contexts as it may come off as inappropriate or overly dramatic. It is important to note the pronunciation and tones, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
Although 馘 (guó) is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding its historical context can help learners grasp the evolution of language in military terms. Students should focus on recognizing this character within literary or historical narratives to enrich their comprehension of ancient practices.
Learners often confuse 馘 (guó) with more common characters related to death or battle, leading to inappropriate usage. For example, they might mistakenly use it in casual discussions about conflict, whereas it should be reserved for historical contexts.
Pronunciation of 馘
Drill the tone of 馘 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 馘
To cut off 或 the enemy's ears 首; 或 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 馘
- 1The giveawayTo cut off 或 the enemy's ears 首; 或 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 馘? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 馘?
Decomposition of 馘
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 馘?
How to say to cut off the left ear; to tally the enemy's dead in Chinese
“to cut off the left ear; to tally the enemy's dead” in Chinese is馘
The character 馘 (guó) refers to the historical practice of cutting off the left ear of defeated enemies to tally their casualties. It is often associated with military contexts and carries a connotation of brutality in warfare. This character is rarely used in modern language, making it more relevant in historical or literary discussions.
When to use 馘
Due to its violent connotations, 馘 (guó) is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more commonly found in historical texts. Learners should be cautious about using it in casual contexts as it may come off as inappropriate or overly dramatic. It is important to note the pronunciation and tones, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 馘 (guó) with more common characters related to death or battle, leading to inappropriate usage. For example, they might mistakenly use it in casual discussions about conflict, whereas it should be reserved for historical contexts.
Write 馘
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 馘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 馘
Compound Meaning
What does 馘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 馘
No, it is primarily found in historical or literary contexts and is not used in everyday conversation.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 馘?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.