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March 24, 2026
照顾(照顧)zhàogù(zhao4gu4)
照顾 (zhàogù) means to take care of someone or something, showing consideration and attention. This verb is commonly used in contexts involving providing care, assistance, or support, whether for people, pets, or tasks. It emphasizes the act of looking after with a nurturing or supportive attitude.
Frequency#713DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of caring for family members, especially the elderly, is deeply rooted and emphasized in societal values, reflecting the Confucian principle of filial piety. The term 照顾 embodies this cultural expectation of looking after loved ones.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a bright lamp (照) to illuminate a child playing, ensuring they are safe and happy. The lamp's light guides you (顾) to care for the child, representing both the pronunciation 'zhao' and the meaning of looking after someone.
Meanings of 照顾
zhàogù(zhao4gu4)
1to take care of
2to show consideration
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About 照顾
照顾Simplified
照顧Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#713Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 照顾
Podcast: 照顾
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AI Study Notes for 照顾
Quick Contrast
照料 (zhàoliào) - use 照顾 when emphasizing care and attention, while 照料 is more focused on the act of taking care in a general sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a bright lamp (照) to illuminate a child playing, ensuring they are safe and happy. The lamp's light guides you (顾) to care for the child, representing both the pronunciation 'zhao' and the meaning of looking after someone.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 照顾 with similar verbs like 照料 (zhàoliào), which is more about providing for needs rather than emotional support. Use 照顾 in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone; sometimes it can imply a deeper emotional connection in personal relationships.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 照顾 connects well with other verbs related to caring and helping, such as 帮忙 (bāngmáng) and 照料 (zhàoliào). Focus on using it in sentences where you describe actions of care, as this will help reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of caring for family members, especially the elderly, is deeply rooted and emphasized in societal values, reflecting the Confucian principle of filial piety. The term 照顾 embodies this cultural expectation of looking after loved ones.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 照顾 in contexts that require a more specific term like 照料 for basic needs. For example, saying '我照顾我的作业' (I take care of my homework) is incorrect; instead, use '我照料我的作业'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 照顾
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Grammar Patterns of 照顾
照顾 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In some stores we were undermanned and customer service was suffering.
Cultural Notes for 照顾
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of caring for family members, especially the elderly, is deeply rooted and emphasized in societal values, reflecting the Confucian principle of filial piety. The term 照顾 embodies this cultural expectation of looking after loved ones.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While Western cultures also value care and support, they may emphasize independence more, whereas in Chinese culture, communal and familial care is often prioritized.
Frequently Asked Questions about 照顾
You can say, '我会照顾你,' which means 'I will take care of you.'
No, 照顾 can also refer to taking care of pets or tasks, like '照顾好你的作业' (take good care of your homework).
照顾 is more about emotional and physical care, while 照料 focuses on meeting basic needs.
