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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.'
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.
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.
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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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.
tā mén zài hóng dū lā sī yǐ4 41 bǐ 1 huò shèng de nà cháng bǐ sài yóu qí jī dòng。
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。
qiē jì tǔ rǎng guò lào， ， yóu qí zài zuì chū jī。
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 chuān zháo qiǎn lǜ sè de yī fú zhàn zài hòu miàn bù qǐ yǎn de dì fāng。
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 xiǎo shí zhòng xīn tú yī cì fáng shài yóu， ， yóu qí shì zài yóu yǒng de shí。
Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you have been swimming.
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.
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 尤
Compounds18
就jiu4at once
扰rao3to disturb
优you1excellent
犹you2as if
忧you1to worry
稽Ji1to examine, to investigate
鱿you2cuttlefish
疣you2wart, tumor, papule, goiter
尨mang2shaggy dog; striped, variegated
肬
訧
沋
紌
蚘
鑙
駀
魷you2cuttlefish
鷲jiu4condor, vulture
Words Containing This Character11
尤其yóuqíespecially
尤其是especially
尤yóuoutstanding
尤为yóuwéiespecially尤為
尤物rarity
尤金Eugene (name)
尤文图斯Juventus, Italian football team尤文圖斯
怨天尤人(idiom) to blame the gods and accuse others
蚩尤comet
尤利西斯Ulysses (novel)
以儆效尤as a warning to others
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
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).
