area comprising southern Jiangsu, northern Zhejiang and Shanghai
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 口, rank #8959, Hard
吴
wú
name of states in Southern China at different historical periods
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 口, rank #8959, Hard
wú(Wu2) T2
1one of several warring states; surname
2area comprising southern Jiangsu, northern Zhejiang and Shanghai
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March 24, 2026
吴(吳)wú(Wu2)
The character 吴 (wú) primarily serves as a surname and refers to several historical states in ancient China, particularly in the regions of southern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang. It can also denote the area associated with these states, which played a significant role in Chinese history, especially during the Warring States period.
Strokes7Radical口Frequency#8959DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
吴 is deeply ingrained in Chinese history, with the state of Wu being known for its contributions to Chinese culture, including literature and military strategies during the Warring States period. The area is also famous for its traditional silk production.
Memory Tip
Think of 吴 as a 'woo'ing gesture, where someone is trying to attract attention from the southern regions of China. The character resembles a person with a wide hat (the top part) looking towards the south, symbolizing its geographical significance.
Meanings of 吴
wú(Wu2)
1one of several warring states; surname
2area comprising southern Jiangsu, northern Zhejiang and Shanghai
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 吴
吴Simplified
吳Traditional
7Strokes
口Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 吴
Podcast: 吴
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AI Study Notes for 吴
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 吴 as a 'woo'ing gesture, where someone is trying to attract attention from the southern regions of China. The character resembles a person with a wide hat (the top part) looking towards the south, symbolizing its geographical significance.
Usage Notes
When using 吴 as a surname, it is often placed before the given name. Be cautious with the pronunciation, as mispronouncing it may lead to confusion with other similar-sounding surnames. Common collocations include 吴姓 (Wú xìng - the Wu surname) and 吴国 (Wú guó - the state of Wu).
HSK Study Tips
Although 吴 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it relates to other characters and terms that describe historical states and regions. Focus on recognizing its cultural significance and its connections with other characters representing historical Chinese figures or places.
Cultural Note
吴 is deeply ingrained in Chinese history, with the state of Wu being known for its contributions to Chinese culture, including literature and military strategies during the Warring States period. The area is also famous for its traditional silk production.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pronouncing 吴 incorrectly, often confusing it with other surnames like 伍 (wǔ). Remember that 吴 (wú) has a rising tone, whereas 伍 (wǔ) has a falling tone.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吴
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Grammar Patterns of 吴
吴 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 4 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 5
Complete the Sentence
老____, 有人找你呢.
Lao Wu, somebody is looking for you.
Example Sentences for 吴 (10)
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1
老吴, 有人找你呢.
lǎo wú, , yǒu rén zhǎo nǐ.
Lao Wu, somebody is looking for you.
2
“ 不行, ” 姓吴的忧愁地说;但随即咽住了,捻着唇边仅有的几根二三分长的髭须.
“ “ bù,” háng , ” xìng wú de yōu chóu; dì shuō ; dàn suí jí, yān zhù le , niǎn zháo chún biān jǐn yǒu de jī gēn èr sān fēn.
" Bad,'said Wu looking worried and toying with his moustache.
3
你会见到吴东 吗 ?
nǐ huì jiàn dào wú dōng?
Will you be seeing Wu Dong?
4
你好,你一定是王东, 我叫吴亮.
nǐ hǎo, , nǐ yī dìng shì wáng, dōng , wǒ jiào.
Hello ! You must be Wang Dong. I'm Wu Liang.
5
吴先生出国时由他代替。
wú xiān shēng chū guó shí yóu tā dài tì。
He will stand in for Mr Goh when he is abroad.
6
吴荪 甫 眉毛一挺, 心头的焦躁好像减轻了些微.
wú sūn fǔ méi máo, yī tǐng , xīn tóu de jiāo zào hǎo xiàng jiǎn qīng.
Wu Sun - fu's irascibility appeared to have abated somewhat , for his frown disappeared.
7
吴老师大概28岁了, 而且我认为, 他很帅!
wú lǎo shī dà gài28 28 suì, le , ér qiě wǒ, rèn wéi ,!
He is about 28, I think, and is rather good - looking.
The maid , Wang Mah , came in with a bowl of bird's - nest gruel for him.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
Lao Wu, somebody is looking for you.
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Cultural Notes for 吴
🏮Cultural insight
吴 is deeply ingrained in Chinese history, with the state of Wu being known for its contributions to Chinese culture, including literature and military strategies during the Warring States period. The area is also famous for its traditional silk production.
Word Family of 吴
Words Containing This Character12
吴wúsurname Wu吳
吴邦国Wu Bangguo (1941-), PRC electrical engineer and politician, polituro member from 2002吳邦國
吴仪Wu Yi (1938-), one of four vice-premiers of the PRC State Council吳儀
吴镇宇Francis Ng Chun-Yu (1961-), Hong Kong actor吳鎮宇
东吴Eastern Wu (222-280)東吳
吴三桂Wu Sangui (1612-1678), Chinese general who let the Manchus into China and helped them establish the Qing Dynasty, later leading a revolt against Qing in an effort to start his own dynasty吳三桂
吴国Wu state (in south China, in different historical periods)吳國
吴官正Wu Guanzheng (1938-), former CPC Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection吳官正
吴越proverbially perpetual arch-enemies吳越
吴江Wujiang county level city in Suzhou 蘇州|苏州[Sūzhōu], Jiangsu吳江
吴晗Wu Han (1909-1969), historian, author of biography of Zhu Yuanzhang 朱元璋, hounded to his death together with several members of his family during the cultural revolution吳晗
吴起Wu Qi (440-381 BC), military leader and politician of the Warring States Period (475-220 BC), author of Wuzi 吳子|吴子[Wúzǐ], one of the Seven Military Classics of ancient China 武經七書|武经七书[WǔjīngQīshū]吳起
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 吴 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 吴
In modern contexts, 吴 is primarily recognized as a surname and can also refer to the regions historically associated with the state of Wu.
Yes, there are many notable figures with the surname 吴, including politicians, artists, and scholars.
You use 吴 as a surname when addressing or referring to someone with that last name, usually before their given name.
