HSK 4, n, 5 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #5696, Medium
瓜
guā
gourd
HSK 4, n, 5 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #5696, Medium
瓜
guā
squash
HSK 4, n, 5 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #5696, Medium
瓜
guā
melon, gourd, squash, cucumber
HSK 4, n, 5 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #5696, Medium
guā(gua1) T1
1melon
2gourd
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March 24, 2026
瓜guā(gua1)
The character 瓜 (guā) refers to various types of melons and gourds, including cucumbers and squashes. It is commonly used in both culinary contexts and in expressions, often symbolizing abundance and fertility in Chinese culture.
Strokes5Radical瓜Frequency#5696DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, melons are often associated with good fortune and prosperity, making them popular gifts during the harvest season or at festivals. The presence of melons in Chinese art and literature also signifies abundance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big, green melon (like a watermelon) sitting on a table. The character 瓜 looks like a half-cut melon, with its rounded shape on the top and the lines below representing the melon’s texture. Remember 'guā' as you picture slicing into this juicy fruit.
Meanings of 瓜
guā(gua1)
1melon
2gourd
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 瓜
瓜Simplified
5Strokes
瓜Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5696Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 瓜
Podcast: 瓜
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AI Study Notes for 瓜
Quick Contrast
西瓜 (xīguā) vs 瓜 (guā): Use 瓜 for general references to melons or gourds, while 西瓜 specifically refers to watermelon.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big, green melon (like a watermelon) sitting on a table. The character 瓜 looks like a half-cut melon, with its rounded shape on the top and the lines below representing the melon’s texture. Remember 'guā' as you picture slicing into this juicy fruit.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing food. Be careful with its tone; 'guā' with a flat tone can be confused with other characters. Common collocations include '西瓜' (xīguā - watermelon) and '南瓜' (nánguā - pumpkin).
HSK Study Tips
Although 瓜 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it is related to HSK Level 1 food vocabulary. Students should focus on recognizing it in context, especially in phrases related to fruits and vegetables, and understanding its role in Chinese culinary culture.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, melons are often associated with good fortune and prosperity, making them popular gifts during the harvest season or at festivals. The presence of melons in Chinese art and literature also signifies abundance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 瓜 with similar-sounding words like 夸 (kuā - to boast). An incorrect sentence might be '我喜欢夸' (Wǒ xǐhuān kuā - I like to boast), which should be '我喜欢瓜' (Wǒ xǐhuān guā - I like melons).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瓜
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Grammar Patterns of 瓜
瓜 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Pickled cucumbers, jam, pickled berries, tomatoes; you name it, they've got it.
6
我能闻到瓜桃熟透了的香甜味道。
wǒ néng wén dào guā táo shú tòu le de xiāng tián wèi dào。
I could smell the honeyed ripeness of melons and peaches.
7
人们总认为我是个傻瓜，想必他们是对的。
rén mén zǒng rèn wéi wǒ shì gè shǎ guā， ， xiǎng bì tā mén shì duì。
People always think I'm a fool, and I dare say they're right.
8
将已收获过的黄瓜、西红柿和其他作物的秧蔓割下，制成堆肥。
jiāng yǐ shōu huò guò de huáng guā、 、 xī hóng shì hé qí tā zuò wù de yāng màn gē， xià ， zhì chéng。
Cut down and compost spent cucumbers, tomatoes and other crops.
9
我们怎么会知道他是个呆瓜呢？
wǒ mén zěn mó huì zhī dào tā shì gè dāi guā ne？
How were we to know that he was a numbskull?
10
“ 喂, 哈克, 我俩真是十足的大傻瓜.
“ “, wèi ,, hā kè , wǒ liǎng zhēn shì shí zú de.
" Lookyhere, Huck , what fools we're making of ourselves!
Cultural Notes for 瓜
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, melons are often associated with good fortune and prosperity, making them popular gifts during the harvest season or at festivals. The presence of melons in Chinese art and literature also signifies abundance.
