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March 24, 2026
幼yòu(you4)
The character 幼 (yòu) refers to something that is young, typically used to describe infants or young children. It conveys a sense of immaturity or being in the early stages of development, often used in contexts related to education, parenting, and growth.
Strokes5Radical幺Frequency#13742DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of幼 (yòu) is significant in traditional parenting practices, where nurturing young children is highly valued, and early childhood education is emphasized.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, cute baby (幼) that is still learning to walk and talk. The character's left side (亻) resembles a person, while the right side (幼) suggests a nurturing environment. Together, they form an image of a young child needing care.
Meanings of 幼
yòu(you4)
1young
2infant, young child; immature
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 幼
幼Simplified
5Strokes
幺Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13742Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 幼
Podcast: 幼
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AI Study Notes for 幼
Quick Contrast
幼 (young) vs 小 (small) — use 幼 when specifically referring to age or developmental stage, while 小 is more general and can refer to size.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small, cute baby (幼) that is still learning to walk and talk. The character's left side (亻) resembles a person, while the right side (幼) suggests a nurturing environment. Together, they form an image of a young child needing care.
Usage Notes
幼 is typically used in more informal contexts, often in discussions about children or educational settings. Be cautious with the tones; using the wrong tone can change the meaning drastically. Common collocations include 幼儿园 (yòu ér yuán, kindergarten) and 幼小 (yòu xiǎo, very young).
HSK Study Tips
Although 幼 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects to vocabulary around family and childhood, which are common themes in early HSK levels. Focus on memorizing its pronunciation and understanding its use in phrases related to young children.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of幼 (yòu) is significant in traditional parenting practices, where nurturing young children is highly valued, and early childhood education is emphasized.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 幼 with 小, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying 幼狗 (yòu gǒu) to mean 'small dog' is incorrect; the correct term is 小狗 (xiǎo gǒu).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 幼
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Grammar Patterns of 幼
幼 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.
Customers are treated without distinction of sex and age.
9
不分男女老幼都喜爱它.
bù fēn nán nǚ lǎo yòu dū xǐ ài tā.
Both young and old like it.
10
很幼稚的嗜中性粒细胞的核呈马蹄形,不分叶.
hěn yòu zhì de shì zhōng xìng lì xì bāo de hé chéng mǎ tí xíng, , bù fēn.
The immature neutrophil has a nonsegmented nucleus in shape of a horseshoe.
Cultural Notes for 幼
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of幼 (yòu) is significant in traditional parenting practices, where nurturing young children is highly valued, and early childhood education is emphasized.
Word Family of 幼
Compounds20
呦you1the sound of a deer bleating
窈yao3obscure, secluded; quiet, refined
黝you3black
拗ao3to pull, to drag; perverse, obstinate; bent, warped
