tuōgōu: 脱钩 - Decouple, Unhook, Disconnect

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Summary: Learn the meaning of 脱钩 (tuōgōu), a critical Chinese term meaning “to decouple” or “disconnect.” Originally a literal word for unhooking something, tuōgōu has become a major keyword in geopolitics and economics, famously used to describe the economic and technological separation between countries like the US and China. This page breaks down its characters, cultural significance, and practical use in modern contexts, from supply chains to international relations.

Pinyin (with tone marks): tuō gōu

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: N/A

Concise Definition: To unhook or disconnect; to decouple, especially in an economic, technological, or political context.

In a Nutshell: Imagine two train cars that have been linked together for a long journey. 脱钩 (tuōgōu) is the action of unlatching the hook that connects them. Metaphorically, it's used for any two systems that were deeply intertwined—like the economies of the US and China—and are now being intentionally separated. It implies a deliberate, often difficult, unlinking process.

脱 (tuō): This character means “to take off,” “to cast off,” or “to escape from.” Think of taking off your coat (`脱外套 tuō wàitào`) or escaping from danger (`脱险 tuōxiǎn`). It signifies removal or separation.

钩 (gōu): This character means “a hook.” It's a pictograph that looks like a metal hook you might use to hang something.

Combined Meaning: The characters literally combine to mean “to take off a hook.” This simple, physical action provides a powerful and intuitive visual for the much more complex, modern concept of “decoupling” large, integrated systems.

From Literal to Geopolitical: While `脱钩` has existed for a long time with its literal meaning, its explosion into global consciousness is recent. It became a buzzword around 2018-2019 during the height of the US-China trade war. It encapsulates the idea of reversing decades of globalization and economic integration.

A Western Concept in Chinese Discourse: The concept of “decoupling” was largely popularized in Western political discourse first. When used in Chinese official media and by spokespeople, `脱钩` is often framed as a strategy pursued by the United States against China. The Chinese counter-narrative frequently emphasizes the mutual harm of `脱钩` and promotes global cooperation, while simultaneously preparing for it by championing policies like `自力更生 (zì lì gēng shēng)`—self-reliance.

Contrast with “Breaking Up”: In Western culture, a “breakup” can apply to anything from couples to bands. The Chinese term for a romantic breakup is `分手 (fēnshǒu)`. `脱钩` is distinct because it's impersonal and systemic. It's not about emotional separation but about the structural unlinking of complex systems (economies, supply chains, technologies). Using `脱钩` for a relationship would sound clinical and strange, like describing a breakup using engineering terms.

Connotation: The term is almost always neutral to negative. It suggests a process that is disruptive, costly, and potentially damaging to both sides. No one talks about `脱钩` as an easy or happy event; it's seen as a serious, world-altering possibility.

Formality: It is a formal term, suitable for written news and serious discussions. While people understand it in conversation, it's not casual slang.

`脱钩` vs. `分开 (fēnkāi)`: `分开 (fēnkāi)` is a general term for “to separate.” Two people standing together can `分开`. `脱钩` is more specific: it implies that the two entities were previously linked together in a structured, functional way (like by a hook) and are now being unlinked. You can't `脱钩` from a crowd, but you can `分开` from it.

挂钩 (guàgōu) - The direct opposite: “to hook onto,” “to link with,” or “to be pegged to” (e.g., a currency pegged to a standard).

断链 (duànliàn) - “To break the chain.” A more specific term often referring to the breaking of a supply chain (`供应链 gōngyìngliàn`).

贸易战 (màoyìzhàn) - “Trade war.” The primary geopolitical context in which the term `脱钩` became famous.

自力更生 (zì lì gēng shēng) - “Self-reliance.” An idiom promoted by the Chinese government as a strategy to counter the threat of foreign-led decoupling.

新冷战 (xīn lěngzhàn) - “New Cold War.” What many fear is the ultimate result of a full US-China `脱钩`.

分手 (fēnshǒu) - “To break up.” Used for personal, romantic relationships. Good to know to avoid mixing them up.

分离 (fēnlí) - “To separate.” A more general and neutral term for separation, lacking the “unhooking” imagery of `脱钩`.

连接 (liánjiē) - “To connect, to link.” A general antonym for `脱钩`.