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孺 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
child; blood relation; affectionn, 17 strokes, radical 子, rank #76591, Very Hard
surname Ruunknown, 17 strokes, radical 子, rank #76591, Very Hard
(Ru2) T2
  1. 1child; blood relation; affection
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March 24, 2026
(Ru2)

The character 孺 (rú) refers to a child or a young person in a familial context. It conveys a sense of affection and kinship, often used in literary or poetic expressions. Additionally, it can be a surname, particularly among certain Chinese families.

Strokes17RadicalFrequency#76591DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the bond between parents and children is highly valued, and terms reflecting this affection are often used in poetry and literature, highlighting the importance of familial relationships.

Memory Tip

Imagine a loving parent (the radical 子, meaning 'child') holding a small child close, symbolizing the bond of affection. The pronunciation 'rú' can be remembered by thinking of a 'rueful' parent who cherishes their child.

Meanings of 孺

(Ru2)
1child; blood relation; affection
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 孺

Simplified
17Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 孺

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 孺

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a loving parent (the radical 子, meaning 'child') holding a small child close, symbolizing the bond of affection. The pronunciation 'rú' can be remembered by thinking of a 'rueful' parent who cherishes their child.

Usage Notes

This character is often found in literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to family and affection. Be cautious not to confuse it with other child-related terms like 孩 (hái), which is more commonly used.

HSK Study Tips

Although 孺 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it can enhance your understanding of familial and affectionate terms. Students should focus on recognizing its literary usage and exploring related terms like 孩子 (hái zi), which means 'child.'

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the bond between parents and children is highly valued, and terms reflecting this affection are often used in poetry and literature, highlighting the importance of familial relationships.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 孺 with similar characters like 孩 (hái), which is more commonly used. For example, saying 孩 when referring to a child in a literary context can be incorrect; instead, use 孺.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 孺

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Etymology of 孺

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 子 represents the meaning and 需 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

child

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 孺?

Decomposition of 孺

IDS Structure⿰子需
Full Character
=
zi3
left
xu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 孺?

Write 孺

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

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Grammar Patterns of 孺

孺 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 1

Complete the Sentence

横眉冷对千夫指, 俯首甘为____子牛.

Fierce - browed , I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers ; headbowed , like a willing ox I serve the children.

Example Sentences for 孺 (1)

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1
横眉冷对千夫指, 俯首甘为孺子牛.

héng méi lěng duì qiān fū zhǐ, , fǔ shǒu gān wéi rú zǐ.

Fierce - browed , I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers ; headbowed , like a willing ox I serve the children.

Cultural Notes for 孺

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, the bond between parents and children is highly valued, and terms reflecting this affection are often used in poetry and literature, highlighting the importance of familial relationships.

Word Family of 孺

Words Containing This Character3
surname Ru
孺子(literary) child
妇孺皆知a household name婦孺皆知
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 孺 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 孺

The correct pronunciation is 'rú' with a rising tone.