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March 24, 2026
估gū(gu1)
The character 估 (gū) primarily means to estimate or guess something, often in terms of value or quantity. It is commonly used in contexts such as making price assessments or approximating numbers. The character can also refer to second-hand items, particularly clothing, suggesting a sense of age or prior use.
Strokes7Radical亻Frequency#15652DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese markets, the concept of estimating value is crucial, especially when bargaining for second-hand clothing, which is common in local flea markets. This reflects a culture of negotiation and value assessment in everyday transactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a merchant (商人) squinting at a pile of clothes, trying to estimate their value. The character 估 resembles a person looking closely (the top part) at something on a table (the bottom part), helping you remember both its meaning of estimating and its pronunciation (gū).
Meanings of 估
gū(gu1)
primary
1estimate
2old
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 估
估Simplified
7Strokes
亻Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#15652Frequency Rank
Podcast: 估
Podcast: 估
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AI Study Notes for 估
Quick Contrast
估 (gū) vs 评 (píng) — use 估 when focusing on estimation or guessing, while 评 is for evaluation or assessment based on criteria.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a merchant (商人) squinting at a pile of clothes, trying to estimate their value. The character 估 resembles a person looking closely (the top part) at something on a table (the bottom part), helping you remember both its meaning of estimating and its pronunciation (gū).
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 估 with similar-sounding words like 估计 (gūjì), which means 'to estimate' in a more formal sense. This character is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly common in everyday conversation around pricing and value.
HSK Study Tips
Though 估 is not included in the HSK levels, students should connect it to other estimation-related words like 计算 (jìsuàn, to calculate) and 评估 (pínggū, to assess). Focus on practicing its use in sentences to reinforce understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese markets, the concept of estimating value is crucial, especially when bargaining for second-hand clothing, which is common in local flea markets. This reflects a culture of negotiation and value assessment in everyday transactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 估 with 估计 and use them interchangeably, which can lead to inaccuracies in context. For example, saying '我估计这个' (wǒ gūjì zhège) when they mean 'I guess this' instead of 'I estimate this' is incorrect; they should use '我估这个' (wǒ gū zhège) for guessing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 估
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Grammar Patterns of 估
估 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 4
Complete the Sentence
大致的____计费用为每月9,000万美元。
Ballpark estimates indicate a price tag of $90 million a month.
Common Confusions with 估
估vs固
gù
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "estimate"?
or
Example Sentences for 估 (10)
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1
大致的估计费用为每月9,000万美元。
dà zhì de gū jì fèi yòng wéi měi yuè9,000 9,000 wàn měi。
Ballpark estimates indicate a price tag of $90 million a month.
In Chinese markets, the concept of estimating value is crucial, especially when bargaining for second-hand clothing, which is common in local flea markets. This reflects a culture of negotiation and value assessment in everyday transactions.
Word Family of 估
Words Containing This Character15
估计gūjìto estimate估計
评估pínggūto evaluate評估
低估dīgūto underestimate
估gūestimate
估算gūsuànassessment
估价to value估價
高估to overestimate
预估to estimate預估
估量to estimate
不可估量inestimable
估摸to reckon
估测estimate估測
估产to assess估產
推估to estimate
估衣second hand clothes
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 估计 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 估
估 (gū) is the verb 'to estimate,' while 估计 (gūjì) is a more formal expression that means 'to estimate' or 'to calculate.' In practice, they can often be used interchangeably, although 估计 may be more common in written or formal contexts.
Yes, 估 can refer to second-hand items, including clothing. When discussing second-hand clothes, you might hear phrases like 估衣 (gū yī), which directly translates to 'second-hand clothes.' This usage highlights the character's versatility in describing the age or condition of items.
估 (gū) means 'to estimate' or 'to assess.' It can also refer to something that is old or second-hand, especially in the context of clothing. This character is commonly used in contexts involving valuation or approximation.
You can use 估 by combining it with other words to form phrases. For example, 估计 (gūjì) means 'to estimate' or 'to assess.' A sentence could be: 我估计这个价格太高了 (I estimate that this price is too high).
Yes, while 估 is commonly used in spoken language, it can also appear in formal contexts, especially when discussing estimates in business or academic settings.
No, 估 can be used for estimating various things, not just money; it applies to quantities, time, and other values as well.
