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伍 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
伍Wǔsurname Wunr, 6 strokes, radical 亻, rank #13319, Hard
伍Wǔsquad of five soldiersnr, 6 strokes, radical 亻, rank #13319, Hard
伍Wǔto associate withnr, 6 strokes, radical 亻, rank #13319, Hard
伍Wǔfive (banker's anti-fraud numeral)nr, 6 strokes, radical 亻, rank #13319, Hard
伍Wǔfive, company of five; troopsnr, 6 strokes, radical 亻, rank #13319, Hard
Wǔ(Wu3) T3
  1. 1squad of five soldiers
  2. 2to associate with
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March 24, 2026
伍Wǔ(Wu3)

The character 伍 (Wǔ) primarily refers to the number five, often seen in military contexts as a squad of five soldiers. Additionally, it serves as a surname in China. The character can also imply association or companionship among groups of five.

Strokes6Radical亻Frequency#13319DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The concept of five (伍) holds significance in Chinese culture, often linked to the Five Elements (木, 火, 土, 金, 水) that play a crucial role in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine.

Memory Tip

Imagine a group of five friends (伍) standing together, forming a strong bond. The character looks like a person (𠂇) standing with four others (五), symbolizing unity in a group of five.

Meanings of 伍

Wǔ(Wu3)
1squad of five soldiers
2to associate with
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 伍

伍Simplified
6Strokes
亻Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#13319Frequency Rank

Podcast: 伍

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Podcast: 伍

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AI Study Notes for 伍

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a group of five friends (伍) standing together, forming a strong bond. The character looks like a person (𠂇) standing with four others (五), symbolizing unity in a group of five.

Usage Notes

Be cautious of using 伍 in formal contexts, as it may sound overly casual when referring to groups or military ranks. Common collocations include 伍人 (group of five) and 伍长 (squad leader). Ensure the tone is pronounced correctly when using in conversation.

HSK Study Tips

While 伍 is not part of the official HSK levels, it relates to basic numerals learned in early stages. Students should focus on recognizing its use in military and group contexts, connecting it with other numerical characters.

Cultural Note

The concept of five (伍) holds significance in Chinese culture, often linked to the Five Elements (木, 火, 土, 金, 水) that play a crucial role in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 伍 with the character 五 (five) in terms of pronunciation, forgetting the tone. For example, saying 'wu' instead of 'wǔ' can lead to misunderstandings. Always remember the correct tone to convey the right meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 伍

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Etymology of 伍

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

Five 五 people 亻; 五 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 伍?

Decomposition of 伍

IDS Structure⿰亻五
伍Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
五wu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 伍?

Write 伍

伍

Practice writing 伍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 伍

伍 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 5 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.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

蒙博托出身行____，通过一级级晋升，最终成为了陆军司令。

Mobutu ascended through the ranks, eventually becoming commander of the army.

Example Sentences for 伍 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
蒙博托出身行伍，通过一级级晋升，最终成为了陆军司令。

mēng bó tuō chū shēn háng wǔ， ， tōng guò yī jí jí jìn， shēng ， zuì zhōng chéng wéi le lù jūn。

Mobutu ascended through the ranks, eventually becoming commander of the army.
2
这支队伍一路拼杀闯进了杯赛的决赛。

zhè zhī duì wǔ yī lù pīn shā chuǎng jìn le bēi sài de jué sài。

The team has fought its way to the cup final.
3
这支队伍奋力拼搏，表现出色。

zhè zhī duì wǔ fèn lì pīn bó， ， biǎo xiàn chū。

The team fought hard and gave a good account of themselves.
4
门口的队伍绕了大楼一圈。

mén kǒu de duì wǔ rào le dà lóu yī quān。

The queues at the door wound around the building.
5
这支队伍需要一位他这样技术水平的司机。

zhè zhī duì wǔ xū yào yī wèi tā zhè yàng jì shù shuǐ píng de sī jī。

The team would have need of a driver of his worth.
6
亨特先生及他率领的管理小组加入了州长们的队伍。

hēng tè xiān shēng jí tā shuài lǐng de guǎn lǐ xiǎo zǔ jiā rù le zhōu cháng mén de duì wǔ。

The governors were joined by Mr Hunter and his management team.
7
理查德·邓伍迪在职业赛马骑师冠军赛中领先其他选手。

lǐ chá dé· · dèng wǔ dí zài zhí yè sài mǎ qí shī guān jūn sài zhōng lǐng xiān qí tā xuǎn。

Richard Dunwoody is in front in the jockeys' title race.
8
他通过几句有针对性的话不断督促着队伍。

tā tōng guò jī jù yǒu zhēn duì xìng de huà bù duàn dū cù zháo duì wǔ。

He chivvies the troops along with a few well-directed words.
9
他们有一支实力雄厚的队伍和一些出色的选手。

tā mén yǒu yī zhī shí lì xióng hòu de duì wǔ hé yī xiē chū sè de xuǎn shǒu。

They've got a strong squad and some great players.
10
年纪最长的两个现在已经在金斯伍德念书，成绩都不错。

nián jì zuì cháng de liǎng gè xiàn zài yǐ jīng zài jīn sī wǔ dé niàn shū， ， chéng jì dū bù。

The two eldest are already doing well at Kings Wood.

Cultural Notes for 伍

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of five (伍) holds significance in Chinese culture, often linked to the Five Elements (木, 火, 土, 金, 水) that play a crucial role in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine.

Word Family of 伍

Words Containing This Character9
队伍duìwuranks隊伍
伍Wǔto associate with
退伍to be discharged from military service
落伍to be outdated
入伍to enlist
退伍军人veteran退伍軍人
为伍to associate with為伍
配伍to blend two or more medicines
伍子胥Wu Zixu (-484 BC), powerful politician in Wu
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 队伍 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 伍

In military terms, 伍 refers to a squad consisting of five soldiers, highlighting its use in organizing troops.