How to Write 舸 (gě) — Meaning “Large boat”

Imagine a giant boat that is so big it can hold anything—think of 可 as 'can' or 'able'. So a boat that can carry a lot is a 舸 (large boat). Another trick: picture the boat with a big smiling face saying "OK" (like kě).

Write the left radical 舟 first: 撇, 横撇, 点, 竖, 横折钩, 点 (6 strokes). Then write the right part 可: horizontal stroke, 口 (3 strokes), then vertical hook. A common mistake is making the 口 too wide; keep it narrow so the character stays balanced. Also ensure the vertical hook of 舟 is not too tall.

舸 has 可 on the right and means 'large boat'. 舡 has 工 (gōng) on the right and is a variant for 'boat' or 'ship' in general. 舢 has 山 (shān) and refers to a small wooden sampan. Visually, the right component is the key difference.

舸 is a literary or classical term for a large boat, often found in poetry or historical writing. For example, the idiom 百舸争流 (bǎi gě zhēng liú) describes many boats racing, used metaphorically for fierce competition. It is rarely used in daily conversation but appears in formal or artistic contexts to create a grand, old-fashioned feel.

Common words containing 舸 include: 百舸 (bǎi gě) — Many boats; 巨舸 (jù gě) — large boat; giant galley; 舸舰 (gě jiàn) — Large vessels.