Meanings of 挂
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About 挂
Podcast: 挂
Podcast: 挂
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AI Study Notes for 挂
挂 (guà) vs 悬 (xuán) — use 挂 for hanging objects from hooks, while 悬 implies a more abstract or elevated suspension.
Imagine a large hook (挂) holding a colorful coat. The hook looks like a 'G' for 'guà' and the coat hanging down represents the action of suspending something. Visualizing this scene helps link the pronunciation with its meaning.
Common mistakes include mixing up 挂 with similar verbs like 持 (chí, to hold), which can lead to incorrect usage. This verb is informal and can be used in everyday conversations, but be cautious of the context when expressing concern, as it can be interpreted differently based on tone and situation.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 挂 connects with other verbs describing actions, such as 放 (fàng, to put down) and 取 (qǔ, to take). Students should focus on different contexts where 'hanging' can be applied, such as in phone conversations or expressing feelings.
In Chinese culture, hanging things can symbolize good luck and prosperity, especially during festivals when items are hung to attract positive energy. For example, red lanterns are often hung during the Lunar New Year.
Learners often confuse 挂 with 掛 (guà, used in traditional Chinese), leading to incorrect writing or pronunciation. Always ensure you use the simplified version, 挂, when referring to the action of hanging.
Pronunciation of 挂
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Etymology of 挂
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 圭 represents the sound. Simplified form of 掛.
hand
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 挂?
Decomposition of 挂
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 挂?
Write 挂
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Practice writing 挂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 挂
挂 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 13 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
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这个画是挂在墙上的。
This painting is hung on the wall.
Complete the Sentence
墙上____着一幅画。
A painting hangs on the wall.
Common Confusions with 挂
Similar sound and function in some contexts.
挂 means to hang, while 拉 means to pull.
我挂了画，不要拉它。
挂 means to hang, while 拉 means to pull.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to hang or suspend (from a hook etc)"?
Usage Notes for 挂
Learners often confuse 挂 with other similar verbs like 持 (to hold) or 拉 (to pull).
我应该用挂来描述这个动作。
I should use 挂 to describe this action.
Fill in the Blank
我应该用____来描述这个动作。
I should use 挂 to describe this action.
Example Sentences for 挂 (10)
Cultural Notes for 挂
In Chinese culture, hanging things often symbolizes good fortune. For example, people may hang red lanterns during festivals to invite luck and prosperity into their homes.
In Chinese culture, hanging things can symbolize good luck and prosperity, especially during festivals when items are hung to attract positive energy. For example, red lanterns are often hung during the Lunar New Year.
Word Family of 挂
Compound Meaning
What does 挂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 挂
挂 (guà) specifically refers to hanging or suspending something, while 持 (chí) means to hold or grasp. They convey different actions and contexts, with 持 often indicating a more active engagement with an object.