to piece together, to assemble

JLPT N5 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (còu)

The verb primarily means to gather or assemble things or people together, often temporarily or informally. It can also mean to move closer physically or figuratively.

Common contexts

  • Pooling resources: (pool money), (gather people) are frequent collocations when people combine resources.
  • Moving closer: (move closer to the front) shows physical proximity.
  • Making do: 凑合 (make do, manage) is a common phrase meaning to accept a less-than-ideal situation.

Collocations and patterns

  • : to collect money from several people.
  • 热闹: to join in the fun or crowd.
  • 凑合: to make do with what is available, often implying a compromise.

Nuances

When using , speakers often imply a temporary or informal gathering rather than a formal or planned one. It can also carry a sense of improvisation, especially in 凑合. Avoid confusing with (jù), which implies a more deliberate or formal gathering.

Register

is informal and common in spoken Chinese, suitable for daily conversation.

Example Sentences

We pooled some money together to buy him a birthday gift.

He moved closer to the front to see what was going on.

There aren’t enough people for this event, let’s make do with what we have.