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March 24, 2026
骨头(骨頭)gǔtou(gu3tou5)
The term 骨头 (gǔ tóu) primarily refers to 'bone,' which is the hard structure forming the skeleton of vertebrates. It can also metaphorically describe someone's moral character or the essence of something, often implying bitterness or toughness in character or situation. This word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as discussing physical health or moral integrity.
Frequency#2331DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, bone health is considered crucial, and dishes like 骨头汤 are often viewed as nourishing and restorative. This connection reflects the cultural importance placed on physical well-being and the dietary role of bones.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy skeleton made of bones (骨头) that stands tall despite facing tough challenges. The character 骨 (gǔ) resembles a backbone that supports the body, while 头 (tóu) means 'head,' suggesting that strong moral character is the 'head' of resilience.
Meanings of 骨头
gǔtou(gu3tou5)
1bone
2moral character
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 骨头
骨头Simplified
骨頭Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2331Frequency Rank
根Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 骨头
Podcast: 骨头
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AI Study Notes for 骨头
Quick Contrast
骨 (gǔ) refers to 'bone' in a more general or abstract sense, while 骨头 (gǔ tóu) specifically denotes 'bone' as a physical object or structure.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy skeleton made of bones (骨头) that stands tall despite facing tough challenges. The character 骨 (gǔ) resembles a backbone that supports the body, while 头 (tóu) means 'head,' suggesting that strong moral character is the 'head' of resilience.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation of 骨头, as the tones are important; the first character is pronounced with a falling tone (gǔ) and the second with a rising tone (tóu). Common collocations include 骨头汤 (bone soup) and 坚硬的骨头 (hard bones). This term is generally informal, so consider the context when using it in formal settings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 骨头 connects with other words related to health and anatomy, such as 身体 (shēn tǐ, body) and 组织 (zǔ zhī, organization). Students should focus on understanding both its literal and metaphorical uses, which can enrich vocabulary and comprehension.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, bone health is considered crucial, and dishes like 骨头汤 are often viewed as nourishing and restorative. This connection reflects the cultural importance placed on physical well-being and the dietary role of bones.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 骨头 with just 骨 when discussing anatomy. For example, saying '我有很多骨头' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō gǔ) instead of '我有很多骨头' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō gǔ tóu) omits the colloquial nuance. Another mistake is mispronouncing the tones, which can change the meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 骨头
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Grammar Patterns of 骨头
骨头 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
跟肉铺老板要煲汤用的____（最好是髓骨）。
Ask the butcher for soup bones (marrow bones are best).
Example Sentences for 骨头 (10)
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1
跟肉铺老板要煲汤用的骨头（最好是髓骨）。
gēn ròu pū lǎo bǎn yào bāo tāng yòng de gǔ tóu（ （ zuì hǎo shì suǐ）。
Ask the butcher for soup bones (marrow bones are best).
I've gotten my feet thoroughly soaked and feel frozen through and through.
7
她拿勺捞起鸡骨头放回了炖锅里。
tā ná sháo lāo qǐ jī gǔ tóu fàng huí le dùn guō lǐ。
She scooped the chicken bones back into the stewpot.
8
潮湿的空气伤着了我的这把老骨头.
cháo shī de kōng qì shāng zháo le wǒ de zhè bǎ lǎo gǔ tóu.
The damp air makes my old bones hurt.
9
我们叫他懒骨头.
wǒ mén jiào tā lǎn gǔ tóu.
We tabbed him lazybones.
10
不要给狗喂小块的骨头，以免它整个吞下去而造成内部器官损伤。
bù yào gěi gǒu wèi xiǎo kuài de gǔ tóu， ， yǐ miǎn tā zhěng gè tūn xià qù ér zào chéng nèi bù qì guān sǔn。
Small bones should be avoided as the dog may swallow them whole and risk internal injury.
Cultural Notes for 骨头
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, bone health is considered crucial, and dishes like 骨头汤 are often viewed as nourishing and restorative. This connection reflects the cultural importance placed on physical well-being and the dietary role of bones.
Frequently Asked Questions about 骨头
骨 (gǔ) means 'bone' generally, while 骨头 (gǔ tóu) often refers to bones in a more casual context or can imply the essence of something.
Yes, 骨头 can metaphorically describe someone's moral character, often implying that they are tough or bitter.
Common phrases include 骨头汤 (bone soup) and 有骨头的 (having backbone, referring to character).
