括弧

• Pinyin: kuò hú
• Hanzi breakdown: 括 = 扌(hand) + 舌 (tongue) — enclose/include; 弧 = 弓 (bow) + 瓜 (melon) — arc

Meaning

Parentheses; brackets. Punctuation marks used to enclose supplementary information.

The formal term for parentheses in Chinese. In everyday speech, 括号 is more common. Can refer to round brackets ( ), square brackets [ ], or curly braces { } depending on context.

Examples

1. 请在括弧内填写正确答案。 Please fill in the correct answer inside the parentheses.
2. 括弧里的内容是补充说明。 The content in parentheses is supplementary explanation.
3. 数学公式中括弧的使用有严格规定。 The use of brackets in mathematical formulas has strict rules.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, mathematics, education

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 括弧内的文字可以省略。(The text inside parentheses can be omitted.)
• 在括弧中注明出处。(Note the source in parentheses.)

Don't Say

• 口语中说括弧而不说括号。(括弧 is more formal/written — 括号 is more common in speech)

Origin & History

Compound of 括 (include/enclose) + 弧 (arc/curve). Literally 'enclosing arcs,' describing the curved shape of parentheses.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal