上
钩

About

The word 上钩 is formed through vivid physical imagery: 上 (shàng) means "to go up" or "to be engaged", and 钩 (gōu) means "hook". Literally, it depicts a fish rising to take bait and getting caught on the hook. This concrete action is then metaphorically extended to describe a person falling for a trick, scheme, or lure, effectively being "hooked" by someone's ploy.

Example Sentences Hide

他终于上钩了。

Tā zhōngyú shànggōu le.

He finally took the bait.

骗子设下圈套，等人上钩。

Piànzi shè xià quāntào, děng rén shànggōu.

The scammer set a trap, waiting for people to take the bait.

如果你贪小便宜，就容易上钩。

Rúguǒ nǐ tān xiǎo piányi, jiù róngyì shànggōu.

If you are greedy for small advantages, you are prone to take the bait.

尽管他知道这是陷阱，但还是上钩了。

Jǐnguǎn tā zhīdào zhè shì xiànjǐng, dàn háishì shànggōu le.

Even though he knew it was a trap, he still took the bait.

犯罪团伙利用人性的弱点，让无数受害者上钩。

Fànzuì tuánhuǒ lìyòng rénxìng de ruòdiǎn, ràng wúshù shòuhàizhě shànggōu.

The criminal gang exploits human weaknesses, causing countless victims to take the bait.

Word Definition - 上钩

shàng gōu to take the bait

Individual Character Details

上 shǎng, shàng
钩 gōu, gōu