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March 24, 2026
吕(呂)lǚ(lü3)
The character 吕 (lǚ) primarily represents a musical note in traditional Chinese music, typically associated with the pitch or tone of a sound. Additionally, it serves as a common Chinese surname, particularly among individuals of Han nationality. In both contexts, it carries a sense of harmony and resonance.
Strokes6Radical口Frequency#29532DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The surname 吕 has historical significance in China, particularly associated with the famous statesman Lü Buwei during the Qin Dynasty, who contributed to the compilation of the Lüshi Chunqiu, a significant philosophical text.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'lyre' (a stringed musical instrument) with the sound of 'lǚ' resonating from it. The character 吕 has '口' (mouth) at the bottom, suggesting the sound produced, and a top part resembling a roof, indicating shelter or harmony in music.
Meanings of 吕
lǚ(lü3)
primary
1a musical note; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 吕
吕Simplified
呂Traditional
6Strokes
口Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 吕
Podcast: 吕
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AI Study Notes for 吕
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'lyre' (a stringed musical instrument) with the sound of 'lǚ' resonating from it. The character 吕 has '口' (mouth) at the bottom, suggesting the sound produced, and a top part resembling a roof, indicating shelter or harmony in music.
Usage Notes
Although 吕 is used in musical contexts, it is more commonly recognized as a surname. Be cautious with the third tone, as it can often be confused with similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 吕氏 (Lü family) when referring to historical figures.
HSK Study Tips
While 吕 is not listed in the current HSK levels, it is beneficial for students to recognize the character due to its cultural significance and common surname usage. Focus on its pronunciation and tonal variations when practicing.
Cultural Note
The surname 吕 has historical significance in China, particularly associated with the famous statesman Lü Buwei during the Qin Dynasty, who contributed to the compilation of the Lüshi Chunqiu, a significant philosophical text.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 吕 with similar-sounding characters, such as 旅 (lǚ, travel). A common mistake is pronouncing 吕 as 'lǔ,' which alters its meaning. Always ensure the correct tone is used.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吕
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Grammar Patterns of 吕
吕 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 2 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
海沃德艺术展是由艺术家伯纳德·____蒂组织的。
The Hayward exhibition has been curated by the artist Bernard Luthi.
Example Sentences for 吕 (4)
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1
海沃德艺术展是由艺术家伯纳德·吕蒂组织的。
hǎi wò dé yì shù zhǎn shì yóu yì shù jiā bó nà dé· · lǚ dì zǔ zhī。
The Hayward exhibition has been curated by the artist Bernard Luthi.
2
普吕把那一段写在她的笔记本上，然后又大声念了一遍。
pǔ lǚ bǎ nà yī duàn xiě zài tā de bǐ jì běn shàng， ， rán hòu yòu dà shēng niàn le yī。
Prue entered the passage in her notebook, then read it aloud again.
3
普吕邀请该杂志的编辑共进午餐，推销自己的点子。
pǔ lǚ yāo qǐng gāi zá zhì de biān jí gòng jìn wǔ cān， ， tuī xiāo zì jǐ de diǎn。
Prue invited the magazine's editor to lunch and made her pitch.
The trawler had sailed from the port of Zeebrugge.
Cultural Notes for 吕
🏮Cultural insight
The surname 吕 has historical significance in China, particularly associated with the famous statesman Lü Buwei during the Qin Dynasty, who contributed to the compilation of the Lüshi Chunqiu, a significant philosophical text.
Word Family of 吕
Words Containing This Character15
吕lǚsurname Lü呂
吕布Lü Bu (-198), general and warlord呂布
吕宋岛Luzon Island, north Philippines呂宋島
吕不韦Lü Buwei (?291-235 BC), merchant and politician of the State of Qin 秦國|秦国[Qínguó], subsequent Qin Dynasty 秦代[Qíndài] Chancellor, allegedly the father of Ying Zheng 嬴政[YíngZhèng], who subsequently became the first emperor Qin Shihuang 秦始皇[QínShǐhuáng]呂不韋
吕梁Lüliang prefecture-level city in Shanxi 山西呂梁
吕蒙Lü Meng (178-219), general of the southern state of Wu呂蒙
吕梁市Lüliang prefecture-level city in Shanxi 山西呂梁市
吕洞宾Lü Dongbin (796-), Tang Dynasty scholar, one of the Eight Immortals 八仙[Bāxiān]呂洞賓
律吕tuning律呂
吕望see Jiang Ziya 姜子牙[JiāngZǐyá]呂望
吕贝克Lübeck, Germany呂貝克
吕纯阳Lü Dongbin (796-), Tang Dynasty scholar, one of the Eight Immortals 八仙[Bāxiān]呂純陽
萨尔布吕肯Saarbrücken, capital of Saarland, Germany薩爾布呂肯
吕宋海峡Luzon Strait between Taiwan and Luzon Island (Philippines)呂宋海峽
泽布吕赫Zeebrugge (port city in Belgium)澤布呂赫
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 吕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 吕
In music, 吕 refers to a specific pitch or tone, often used in traditional Chinese musical contexts.
Yes, 吕 is a relatively common Chinese surname, often encountered in historical and contemporary contexts.
It is pronounced as 'lǚ' with a rising tone, which can be tricky, so practice emphasizing the tone.
