COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 鼓 is built
Traditional etymology note: 壴 (drum) suggests the meaning, while 支 suggests the pronunciation.
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How to Write 鼓 (gǔ) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
drum
gǔTone 3 (Dipping)Let your pitch fall, then rise.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 13 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
gǔ
鼓
drum
Common words
gǔ lì
鼓励
to encourage
gǔ zhǎng
鼓掌
to applaud; to clap
gǔ wǔ
鼓舞
to inspire; to encourage; to hearten; to boost (morale)
gǔ dòng
鼓动
to urge (an activity that may be beneficial, harmful or neutral); to encourage; to agitate; to instigate; to incite; to beat; to flap (wings, a fan etc)
yì gǔ zuò qì
一鼓作气
in a spurt of energy
gǔ
鼓
drum; to drum; to strike; to rouse
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
鼓
鼓
鼓
鼓
鼓
鼓
鼓
鼓
LEARNING TIP
Remember 鼓
Say “gǔ” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 13 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 鼓
Common words and phrases
gǔ lì
to encourage
gǔ zhǎng
to applaud; to clap
gǔ wǔ
to inspire; to encourage; to hearten; to boost (morale)
gǔ dòng
to urge (an activity that may be beneficial, harmful or neutral); to encourage; to agitate; to instigate; to incite; to beat; to flap (wings, a fan etc)
yì gǔ zuò qì
in a spurt of energy
gǔ
drum; to drum; to strike; to rouse
IN CONTEXT
Example sentences
这个字是“鼓”。
Zhège zì shì “gǔ”.
This character is “鼓”.
我正在学习“鼓”字。
Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “gǔ” zì.
I am learning the character “鼓”.
请写一遍“鼓”。
Qǐng xiě yí biàn “gǔ”.
Please write “鼓” once.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 鼓?
鼓 is written with 13 strokes.
What does 鼓 (gǔ) mean?
鼓 (gǔ) means drum.
What is the radical of 鼓?
The radical of 鼓 is 鼓, associated with Not yet classified.