Definitions

Hǎo (noun) ancient place name

Etymology phono-semantic

place

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 郝 derives from an ancient toponym during the Zhou Dynasty, referring to the city of Hao, and its construction merges the radical 赤, meaning red, with the component 阝, a variant of 邑 denoting a settlement or city, suggesting a place possibly noted for red soil or similar features. Over time, this geographic designation transformed into a hereditary surname as individuals from the region adopted it, and while its core function as a family name has persisted, the direct link to its original descriptive sense has gradually receded from everyday awareness.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这位是先生。

Zhè wèi shì Hǎo xiānsheng.

This is Mr. Hao.

老师教我们数学。

Hǎo lǎoshī jiāo wǒmen shùxué.

Teacher Hao teaches us math.

同学昨天没来上课。

Hǎo tóngxué zuótiān méi lái shàngkè.

Classmate Hao did not come to class yesterday.

我们都喜欢教授讲的课。

Wǒmen dōu xǐhuān Hǎo jiàoshòu jiǎng de kè.

We all like the classes taught by Professor Hao.

如果你有问题,可以找医生咨询。

Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu wèntí, kěyǐ zhǎo Hǎo yīshēng zīxún.

If you have any questions, you can consult Dr. Hao.

女士在会议上提出了重要建议。

Hǎo nǚshì zài huìyì shàng tíchū le zhòngyào jiànyì.

Ms. Hao put forward important suggestions at the meeting.

尽管工作繁忙,主任依然关心每个员工。

Jǐnguǎn gōngzuò fánmáng, Hǎo zhǔrèn yīrán guānxīn měi gè yuángōng.

Despite being busy with work, Director Hao still cares about every employee.

工程师的设计方案获得了国际奖项。

Hǎo gōngchéngshī de shèjì fāng'àn huòdé le guójì jiǎngxiàng.

Engineer Hao's design plan won an international award.