钩子
goū zi · HSK 7
hook
🪝 钩 (hook) + 子 (noun suffix) = hook
钩 means hook on its own; 子 is a common noun suffix that turns single characters into everyday object names (like 桌子 table, 椅子 chair). So 钩子 is literally hook-thing.
钩 — metal radical 钅 + 句 (phonetic)
钩 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The metal radical 钅 (from 金) signals the meaning — a metal implement — while 句 gives the sound. It originally referred to a hook or curved metal tool, and the meaning extended to anything hook-shaped or the action of hooking.
子 — pictograph of a baby/child with arms out
子 began as a pictograph of a swaddled infant with a large head and outstretched arms, originally meaning 'baby' or 'child.' From there it broadened to 'son,' 'offspring,' and a respectful suffix for masters like 孔子 (Confucius). It also became one of the twelve earthly branches.