Writing Balance Rule: The left component (贝) should be narrower and compact, leaving ample open space for the right component (化) to balance the width.
Simplification Logic: Simplified from the traditional 貨 by keeping the standard shell radical 贝 on the left and the phonetic component 化 on the right.
1. Meaning
goods or commodities
money or currency (historical)derogatory term for a person (e.g., old geezer, weirdo)
NounNeutral#commerce#economy#trade
Sample Usage
这家商店的货很齐全。
zhè jiā shāngdiàn de huò hěn qícquán.
This shop has a complete selection of goods.
送货上门
sòng huò shàng mén
deliver goods to the door
2. Sound
/[xu̯ɔ˥˩]/Tone: 51
货
huòhuo4
|
++
`(51)
=huò
Initial Consonant
h
Type: Velar Fricative
Sounds like: h sound like in 'hat'
Unaspirated
Airflow Tactile Test: Gentle throat friction (like fogging glasses on a cold day).
Tongue & Mouth Position: Relaxed tongue base, air friction produced in the glottis.
Final Rhyme
uo
Vowel Group: -o vowel group
Sounds like: rhymes with 'war' or 'pore'
Mouth Shape Guide: Pronounce as standalone vowel 'waw'.
Common Learner Trap: Keep vowel quality steady across all 4 tone contours.
Tone
T4 (51)
5 → 1 (51)
4th Tone (High-Falling)
Tone Pitch & Cadence: Tone 4 is a sharp, emphatic drop, exactly like shouting 'No!' or 'Down!' in English.
👂
Listening trap: Confusing it with Tone 2 (huó) or Tone 3 (huǒ). Ensure the pitch starts high and falls decisively without dipping first.
👋
Physical Tone Gesture: A sharp karate chop downward from your forehead to your chest, representing the firm, dropping pitch of Tone 4.
3. Writing
Topology: Left-right · Strokes: 8 strokes
Writing Balance Rule: The left component (贝) should be narrower and compact, leaving ample open space for the right component (化) to balance the width.
Simplification Logic: Simplified from the traditional 貨 by keeping the standard shell radical 贝 on the left and the phonetic component 化 on the right.
4. Components
Radical贝 · Shell radical (shell, money, wealth)
Semantic Clue (形旁):贝 (Indicates wealth, money, and valuable items)