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March 24, 2026
屿(嶼)yǔ(yu3)
The character 屿 (yǔ) refers to a small island or islet, often denoting a landform smaller than a typical island. It is commonly used in geographical contexts or when discussing coastal features. In literature, it can evoke imagery of serene and remote locations.
Strokes6Radical山Frequency#24169DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, islands often symbolize tranquility and escape, as seen in poetry and art that celebrate nature. The character 屿 is frequently used in names of famous scenic spots, highlighting its geographical significance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny island (islet) shaped like the character 屿. The top part resembles a small hill on the island, while the bottom suggests the water surrounding it. Think of 'yǔ' sounding like 'you', as if you're inviting someone to visit your little islet.
Meanings of 屿
yǔ(yu3)
1islet
2island
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 屿
屿Simplified
嶼Traditional
6Strokes
山Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#24169Frequency Rank
Podcast: 屿
Podcast: 屿
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AI Study Notes for 屿
Quick Contrast
岛 (dǎo) refers to a larger island, while 屿 (yǔ) specifically denotes a smaller islet.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 屿 (yǔ) with similar-sounding characters like 与 (yǔ), which means 'and'. 屿 is more formal and specific to geographical discussions, so it's less common in everyday conversation. It often appears in academic or literary contexts.
HSK Study Tips
While 屿 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it is beneficial for learners interested in geography or literature. Students should also familiarize themselves with related characters like 岛 (dǎo), which means 'island', to expand their vocabulary on related topics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 屿 (yǔ) with 岛 (dǎo), mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这是一个小岛' (zhè shì yí gè xiǎo dǎo) when describing a small islet should correctly be '这是一个小屿' (zhè shì yí gè xiǎo yǔ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 屿
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Phonosemantic compound. 山 represents the meaning and 与 represents the sound. Simplified form of 嶼.
1The meaning half山 carries the sense.
2The sound half与 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymountain
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 屿? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 屿?
Decomposition of 屿
IDS Structure⿰山与
屿Full Character
=
山Shan1
left
与yu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 屿?
How to say islet in Chinese
“islet” in Chinese is屿yǔ
The character 屿 (yǔ) refers to a small island or islet, often denoting a landform smaller than a typical island. It is commonly used in geographical contexts or when discussing coastal features. In literature, it can evoke imagery of serene and remote locations.
When to use 屿
Be cautious not to confuse 屿 (yǔ) with similar-sounding characters like 与 (yǔ), which means 'and'. 屿 is more formal and specific to geographical discussions, so it's less common in everyday conversation. It often appears in academic or literary contexts.
屿 or something close to it
岛 (dǎo) refers to a larger island, while 屿 (yǔ) specifically denotes a smaller islet.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 屿 (yǔ) with 岛 (dǎo), mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这是一个小岛' (zhè shì yí gè xiǎo dǎo) when describing a small islet should correctly be '这是一个小屿' (zhè shì yí gè xiǎo yǔ).
Write 屿
屿
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Practice writing 屿 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 屿
屿 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
他把找到那座岛____当成自己的人生目标。
He made it his object in life to find the island.
Example Sentences for 屿 (16)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他把找到那座岛屿当成自己的人生目标。
tā bǎ zhǎo dào nà zuò dǎo yǔ dāng chéng zì jǐ de rén shēng mù biāo。
