酷

kù
#1,864 most
frequent character
cool, cruel, brutal, oppressive
adjective

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

酷 has 酉, an alcohol container, as its meaning part and 告 gào as its sound part; the sound link is unclear in Mandarin. It first meant a strong alcoholic drink. The meaning grew to intense or strong, then ruthless, and later cool or hip was borrowed for the sound.

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Example Sentences

这部电影真酷！
zhè bù diànyǐng zhēn kù ！
This movie is really cool!
他是一个酷的人。
tāshì yígè kù de rén 。
He is a cool person.
我觉得这件衣服非常酷。
wǒ juéde zhè jiàn yīfú fēicháng kù 。
I think this piece of clothing is extremely cool.

Words with similar meanings

棒bàng
awesome
This word conveys a similar positive sentiment but can imply a slightly informal or casual vibe.
炫酷xuànkù
fantastic
This term suggests an even more impressive or stylish quality than '酷'.

Homophones

库kù
library, warehouse, storeroom

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