How to Write 考 (kǎo) — Meaning “To test, examine, or study.”

Imagine an old person (耂) holding a question mark (the hook shape of 丂) because they are taking a test. The hook looks like a bent arm or a quiz question, helping you link 考 to 'exam'.

Start with the top part 耂: write the horizontal line, then the vertical, then the middle horizontal, and the left-falling stroke. Finish with the bottom 丂: a horizontal stroke followed by a long vertical hook. Common mistake is making the bottom hook too short or straight; it should curve slightly to the left.

Both characters have the 耂 radical on top, but the bottom part is different: 考 has 丂 (a hook shape), while 者 has 日 (a sun or square). Their meanings are also distinct: 考 means 'test' or 'examine', whereas 者 is a suffix meaning 'person' or 'one who'.

考 appears in common words like 考试 (exam) and 考虑 (consider), and is used daily in education and decision-making. A famous cultural reference is 高考 (Gāokǎo), China's national college entrance exam, which is a major life event for students.

Common words containing 考 include: 考试 (kǎo shì) — An examination or test.; 考虑 (kǎo lǜ) — To consider or think over.; 考查 (kǎo chá) — To examine, check, or inspect..