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March 24, 2026
偻(僂)lóu(lou2)
The character 偻 (lóu) primarily refers to a physical condition characterized by a humped or bent back, commonly known as 'hunchback' or 'crookback.' It can also be used as a surname in Chinese culture. The term is often used in medical or descriptive contexts.
Strokes11Radical亻Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, physical conditions such as hunchback may be linked to imbalances in the body, reflecting cultural beliefs about health and wellness. This term can also appear in historical texts discussing the physical attributes of individuals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with a humped back resembling the shape of the character 偻. The left part looks like a bent figure, while the right resembles a support or a reminder of the weight they carry due to their condition. Connect 'lóu' with 'hump' to remember its meaning.
Meanings of 偻
lóu(lou2)
primary
1humpback; surname
2hunchback
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 偻
偻Simplified
僂Traditional
11Strokes
亻Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 偻
Podcast: 偻
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AI Study Notes for 偻
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person with a humped back resembling the shape of the character 偻. The left part looks like a bent figure, while the right resembles a support or a reminder of the weight they carry due to their condition. Connect 'lóu' with 'hump' to remember its meaning.
Usage Notes
This character is relatively formal and often used in literary or medical contexts rather than everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters, and note that its usage can also imply a negative connotation regarding appearance or health.
HSK Study Tips
Although 偻 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with related words describing body conditions or characteristics. Students should focus on how to use it in descriptions and its association with physical ailments.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, physical conditions such as hunchback may be linked to imbalances in the body, reflecting cultural beliefs about health and wellness. This term can also appear in historical texts discussing the physical attributes of individuals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 偻 with other characters that describe body conditions, such as 驼 (tuó), meaning 'camel' or 'to be humped.' A common mistake is using 偻 in casual conversation; it’s more appropriate in formal contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 偻
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Cultural Notes for 偻
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, physical conditions such as hunchback may be linked to imbalances in the body, reflecting cultural beliefs about health and wellness. This term can also appear in historical texts discussing the physical attributes of individuals.
Word Family of 偻
Words Containing This Character3
佝偻病rickets (medicine)佝僂病
偻lóuhunchback僂
佝偻stooped佝僂
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 佝偻病 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 偻
It means hunchback or crookback, describing a specific physical condition.
No, it is more commonly found in formal writing or medical descriptions.
