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March 24, 2026
尤yóu(You2)
The character 尤 (yóu) primarily means 'especially' or 'particularly,' used to emphasize a specific aspect or quality. It can also denote a surname and refers to a fault or something that stands out negatively. In conversational contexts, it often highlights exceptions or specific cases of concern.
Strokes4Radical尢Frequency#7669DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the notion of being '尤' can be tied to the concept of 'being outstanding' in one's field, particularly in education and work, where exceptional skill or performance is highly valued.
Memory tip
Imagine a character named You who stands out in a crowd of ordinary people. The radical '毛' (máo) at the top can represent 'hair,' suggesting that You has an especially unique hairstyle that makes them memorable. This unique quality helps you remember that 尤 means 'especially.'
Meanings of 尤
yóu(You2)
1outstanding
2particularly, especially
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 尤
尤Simplified
4Strokes
尢Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#7669Frequency Rank
Podcast: 尤
Podcast: 尤
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AI study notes for 尤
Quick Contrast
尤 (yóu) vs 特 (tè) — use 尤 when emphasizing a specific aspect or exception, while 特 generally indicates something that is special or unique.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 尤 with 由 (yóu), which means 'to follow' or 'to reason.' Remember that 尤 is used to indicate emphasis. It’s more commonly found in written Chinese than in casual conversation; thus, it should be used thoughtfully in formal writing.
HSK Study Tips
While 尤 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with words like 特别 (tèbié, especially) and 特殊 (tèshū, special). Focus on how 尤 can enhance your descriptions by adding emphasis and specificity in conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 尤 interchangeably with 特别 (tèbié), leading to confusion. For example, saying '这尤好' instead of '这特别好' (This is especially good) is incorrect; use 特别 for emphasis instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 尤
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The character 尤 (yóu) primarily means 'especially' or 'particularly,' used to emphasize a specific aspect or quality. It can also denote a surname and refers to a fault or something that stands out negatively. In conversational contexts, it often highlights exceptions or specific cases of concern.
When to use 尤
Learners often confuse 尤 with 由 (yóu), which means 'to follow' or 'to reason.' Remember that 尤 is used to indicate emphasis. It’s more commonly found in written Chinese than in casual conversation; thus, it should be used thoughtfully in formal writing.
尤 or something close to it
尤 (yóu) vs 特 (tè) — use 尤 when emphasizing a specific aspect or exception, while 特 generally indicates something that is special or unique.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 尤 interchangeably with 特别 (tèbié), leading to confusion. For example, saying '这尤好' instead of '这特别好' (This is especially good) is incorrect; use 特别 for emphasis instead.
Write 尤
尤
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Grammar patterns of 尤
尤 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. 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.
tāmen zài hóng dōu lā Sī yǐ4 bǐ1 huòshèng de nà chǎng bǐsài yóuqí jīdòng rén xīn。
Their 4-1 win in Honduras was a particularly lively affair.
8
切忌土壤过涝，尤其在最初几周。
qièjì tǔrǎng guò lào， yóuqí zài zuìchū jǐ zhōu。
The soil must not be overwatered, especially during the first few weeks.
9
尤妮斯穿着浅绿色的衣服站在后面不起眼的地方。
yóu nī Sī chuānzhuó jiān lǜsè de yīfu zhàn zài hòumiàn bùqǐyǎn de dìfang。
In the background, dressed in pale green, stood Eunice.
10
每两个小时重新涂一次防晒油，尤其是在游泳的时候。
měi liǎng gè xiǎoshí chóngxīn tú yī cì fáng shài yóu， yóuqí shì zài yóuyǒng de shíhou。
Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you have been swimming.
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Cultural Notes for 尤
💡Did you know?
The character '尤' is often associated with emphasis in Chinese language, and it's used frequently in literature to highlight qualities or features that stand out. This is why you might see '尤为' in formal contexts.
Word Family of 尤
Compounds18
就jiùat once
扰rǎoto disturb
优yōuexcellent
犹yóuas if
忧yōuto worry
稽jīto examine, to investigate
鱿yóucuttlefish
疣yóuwart, tumor, papule, goiter
尨mángshaggy dog; striped, variegated
肬yóu
訧yóu
沋yóu
紌qiú
蚘huí
鑙jī
駀yóu
魷yóucuttlefish
鷲jiùcondor, vulture
Words containing this character11
尤其yóuqíespecially
尤其是yóuqíshìespecially
尤yóuoutstanding
尤为yóuwéiespecially尤為
尤物yóuwùrarity
尤金yóujīnEugene (name)
尤文图斯yóuwéntúsīJuventus, Italian football team尤文圖斯
怨天尤人yuàntiānyóurén(idiom) to blame the gods and accuse others
蚩尤chīyóucomet
尤利西斯yóulìxīsīUlysses (novel)
以儆效尤yǐjǐngxiàoyóuas a warning to others
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 尤
What does 就 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 尤
Common phrases that include 尤 (yóu) are '尤其' (yóuqí), meaning 'especially' or 'particularly', and '尤为' (yóuwéi), which also means 'especially'. These phrases are often used to highlight something that stands out.
Yes, 尤 (yóu) is also a Chinese surname. It is not as common as some other surnames, but it can be found among Chinese-speaking populations. Understanding the context is important, as 尤 can refer to both a surname and its various meanings.
尤 (yóu) has multiple meanings in Chinese. It can refer to 'particularly' or 'especially', indicating a higher degree of something. Additionally, it can denote a fault or a sense of discontentment, as well as being a surname.
You can use 尤 (yóu) to emphasize something by placing it before an adjective. For example, in the sentence '这个地方尤为美丽' (zhège dìfāng yóuwéi měilì), it translates to 'This place is particularly beautiful.' This demonstrates how 尤 adds emphasis to the adjective.
You can say: '这道菜尤为美味' (This dish is especially delicious).
It's more prevalent in written contexts, but you can use it in conversations to emphasize particular points.
Yes, it can indicate a fault or discontent, such as '这个问题尤为严重' (This issue is particularly serious).
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