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March 24, 2026
孤独(孤獨)gūdú(gu1du2)
孤独 (gū dú) refers to the state of being lonely or solitary, often implying a deep sense of emotional isolation. It is commonly used to describe not just physical solitude but also an emotional state where one feels disconnected from others, regardless of their surroundings. This term can carry a heavier emotional weight compared to simply being alone.
Frequency#1940DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 孤独 can carry a stigma, as social connections and community are highly valued. Expressing feelings of loneliness may lead to concern from others, reflecting the cultural importance of interpersonal relationships.
Memory Tip
Think of '孤' (gū) as a person standing alone on a deserted street (the character depicts a person and a 'solitary' nature). '独' (dú) suggests being 'single' or 'alone.' Together, they form the image of a lone figure in a vast space, reminding you of the word's meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 孤独
gūdú(gu1du2)
1lonely
2solitary
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 孤独
孤独Simplified
孤獨Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1940Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 孤独
Podcast: 孤独
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AI Study Notes for 孤独
Quick Contrast
孤单 (gūdān) - use 孤独 when emphasizing emotional isolation, while 孤单 focuses more on the state of being alone without the deeper emotional implications.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '孤' (gū) as a person standing alone on a deserted street (the character depicts a person and a 'solitary' nature). '独' (dú) suggests being 'single' or 'alone.' Together, they form the image of a lone figure in a vast space, reminding you of the word's meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; '孤' is pronounced with a high level tone (gū), while '独' is pronounced with a rising tone (dú). This word is generally used in serious contexts, such as literature or discussions about mental health. Avoid using it casually in everyday conversation unless discussing feelings of loneliness explicitly.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 孤独 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to emotions and personal experiences. Focus on its use in literature and poetry, as it often appears in writings that explore human feelings and relationships.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 孤独 can carry a stigma, as social connections and community are highly valued. Expressing feelings of loneliness may lead to concern from others, reflecting the cultural importance of interpersonal relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 孤独 with 寂寞, using them interchangeably. Remember, 孤独 has a stronger emotional connotation, while 寂寞 might be used more casually. For example, saying '我今天感到孤独' (I feel lonely today) indicates a profound feeling, while '我今天很寂寞' (I am quite lonely today) might sound less serious.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 孤独
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Grammar Patterns of 孤独
孤独 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他还简单谈及了他被俘期间忍受的____。
He also talked briefly about the isolation he endured while in captivity.
Example Sentences for 孤独 (10)
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1
他还简单谈及了他被俘期间忍受的孤独。
tā huán jiǎn dān tán jí le tā bèi fú qī jiān rěn shòu de gū dú。
He also talked briefly about the isolation he endured while in captivity.
zài dōng tiān de tiān kōng xià, , tā jiǔ jiǔ ér gū dú dì zài yīn shěn de shā tān shàng zǒu le hěn.
Long and lonely he pace the dreary beach beneath a wintry sky.
9
虽然旅途漫长孤独，图马罗还是继续前行。
suī rán lǚ tú màn cháng gū dú， ， tú mǎ luó huán shì jì xù qián。
Although the journey was a long and lonely one, Tumalo pushed on.
10
舒伯特继续在星空中做他孤独的梦.
shū bó tè jì xù zài xīng kōng zhōng zuò tā gū dú de mèng.
Schubert continued his solitary dreams among the stars.
Cultural Notes for 孤独
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 孤独 can carry a stigma, as social connections and community are highly valued. Expressing feelings of loneliness may lead to concern from others, reflecting the cultural importance of interpersonal relationships.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, loneliness is often viewed as a personal challenge to overcome, while in Chinese culture, it may be seen as a collective concern impacting one's social standing.
Frequently Asked Questions about 孤独
Both mean 'lonely,' but 孤独 conveys a deeper sense of emotional isolation, while 寂寞 (jì mò) often refers to a more general feeling of being alone.
Yes, but be mindful that it implies a sense of loneliness rather than simply being alone; it’s often used in contexts where solitude is felt deeply.
It is generally negative, as it denotes emotional pain or a lack of connection with others.
