拷
How to Say
How to Write
Meaning: to beat
💡 Hand (扌) beating a test (考) — 'to beat' someone or 'copy' a test.
Compounds
Character Story & Explanation
拷 (kǎo) means 'to beat' or 'to torture', often involving interrogation or copying. Its radical 扌 (hand) suggests physical action. Historically, it referred to flogging as a judicial punishment, reflecting ancient legal practices. Today, it appears in 拷贝 (kǎobèi, 'to copy') from English 'copy', blending traditional form with modern tech. This fusion illustrates how Chinese characters adapt to new concepts.
Example Sentences
Common Compounds
Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up
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