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March 24, 2026
乳rǔ(ru3)
The character 乳 (rǔ) primarily means 'breast' or 'milk', and is commonly used in contexts relating to nursing or dairy products. It can refer to the physical breast, the act of suckling, or dairy products derived from milk, such as cheese. In a broader sense, it can also be used metaphorically in discussions of nourishment or sustenance.
Strokes8Radical乚Frequency#5342DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 乳 is significant not only in nutrition but also in traditional practices, such as the use of milk-based products in various regional cuisines. Additionally, breast milk is highly valued for its role in nurturing infants.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cow (which produces milk) with a big 'R' shape on its side representing '乳'. This visual connects the character's shape with its meaning of 'milk' and 'breast'. You could also think of 'rǔ' sounding like 'roo', as in kangaroo, which also carries their young in a pouch, similar to how mammals nourish their young with milk.
Meanings of 乳
rǔ(ru3)
1breast
2milk
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 乳
乳Simplified
8Strokes
乚Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#5342Frequency Rank
Podcast: 乳
Podcast: 乳
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AI Study Notes for 乳
Quick Contrast
乳 (rǔ) vs 奶 (nǎi) — use 乳 when referring specifically to the breast or milk in a biological context, while 奶 is more commonly used for milk in general or dairy products.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cow (which produces milk) with a big 'R' shape on its side representing '乳'. This visual connects the character's shape with its meaning of 'milk' and 'breast'. You could also think of 'rǔ' sounding like 'roo', as in kangaroo, which also carries their young in a pouch, similar to how mammals nourish their young with milk.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 乳 with similar-sounding words or characters. It's informal and commonly used in everyday contexts, especially when describing dairy products. Be careful with the tone; the third tone (rǔ) is essential to convey the correct meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although not part of the HSK curriculum, 乳 is relevant as it connects to other vocabulary related to food and nourishment. Focus on its usage in culinary contexts, especially when discussing dairy or nutrition-related topics. Understanding related terms can help build your vocabulary further.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 乳 is significant not only in nutrition but also in traditional practices, such as the use of milk-based products in various regional cuisines. Additionally, breast milk is highly valued for its role in nurturing infants.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 乳 with the character for 'milk' (牛奶 - niú nǎi), mistakenly using them interchangeably. Remember that 乳 specifically refers to the breast or breast milk, while 牛奶 refers to cow's milk.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 乳
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Grammar Patterns of 乳
乳 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
____牛的喂养方法发生了巨大的改变。
The feeding of dairy cows has undergone a revolution.
Example Sentences for 乳 (10)
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1
乳牛的喂养方法发生了巨大的改变。
rǔ niú de wèi yǎng fāng fǎ fā shēng le jù dà de gǎi biàn。
The feeding of dairy cows has undergone a revolution.
2
喝这酒的时候可以搭配浓乳酪或淡乳酪。
hē zhè jiǔ de shí hòu kě yǐ dā pèi nóng rǔ lào huò dàn rǔ lào。
The wine goes with strong and mild cheese alike.
3
用贮藏的一罐炼乳为茶添加了甜味。
yòng zhù cáng de yī guàn liàn rǔ wéi chá tiān jiā le tián wèi。
The tea was sweetened with a hoarded tin of condensed milk.
Despite its very low fat content, it is deliciously creamy.
7
工厂外的招牌上写着“婴儿乳品厂”。
gōng chǎng wài de zhāo pái shàng xiě zháo“ “ yīng ér rǔ pǐn”。
The signboard outside the factory read "baby milk plant".
8
选择冷色系，比如乳白色。
xuǎn zé lěng sè xì， ， bǐ rú rǔ bái。
Choose a cool colour such as cream.
9
她穿了一件露乳沟的低胸连衣裙。
tā chuān le yī jiàn lòu rǔ gōu de dī xiōng lián yī qún。
She wears a low-cut dress which reveals her breasts.
10
这养阴, 不油腻的乳液吸收快, 不增加香味.
zhè yǎng yīn, , bù yóu nì de rǔ yè xī shōu, kuài , bù zēng jiā.
This nourishing, non - greasy lotion absorbs quickly, without added fragrance.
Cultural Notes for 乳
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 乳 is significant not only in nutrition but also in traditional practices, such as the use of milk-based products in various regional cuisines. Additionally, breast milk is highly valued for its role in nurturing infants.
Word Family of 乳
Compounds1
啂
Words Containing This Character20
乳rǔbreast
乳房breast
乳头nipple乳頭
乳酪cheese
乳腺癌breast cancer
母乳mother's milk
乳腺mammary gland
乳糖lactose
哺乳动物mammal哺乳動物
乳酸lactic acid
哺乳bǔrǔto suckle
乳液milk
乳品dairy product
乳制品rǔzhìpǐndairy products乳製品
乳胶latex乳膠
乳臭未干still wet behind the ears乳臭未乾
乳汁milk
乳化to emulsify
乳牙milk tooth
乳罩bra
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 乳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 乳
Words like 乳制品 (rǔ zhì pǐn - dairy products) and 母乳 (mǔ rǔ - breast milk) are common collocations.
It's primarily used in informal contexts, but can appear in some formal discussions about health or nutrition.
