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March 24, 2026
掠è(lüe4)
The character 掠 (luè) primarily means to seize or take something by force, often associated with robbery or plundering. It can also refer to more benign actions like skimming or brushing over a surface. This word is commonly used in contexts involving aggressive actions or quick, surface-level engagements.
Strokes11Radical扌Frequency#13671DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of plundering is often associated with the numerous invasions and conflicts that have shaped the dynastic narrative, making this character relevant in discussions of warfare and power dynamics.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fierce eagle swooping down to 'snatch' its prey. The character 掠 has the radical for 'hand' (扌) on the left, suggesting the action of grabbing, while the right side resembles a 'rat' being caught - representing something being taken away forcefully.
Meanings of 掠
è(lüe4)
primary
1to take over by force
2to rob
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 掠
掠Simplified
11Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13671Frequency Rank
Podcast: 掠
Podcast: 掠
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AI Study Notes for 掠
Quick Contrast
掠 (luè) vs 抢 (qiǎng) — use 掠 for actions that imply a quick, surface-level engagement, while 抢 emphasizes a forceful, aggressive taking.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fierce eagle swooping down to 'snatch' its prey. The character 掠 has the radical for 'hand' (扌) on the left, suggesting the action of grabbing, while the right side resembles a 'rat' being caught - representing something being taken away forcefully.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 掠 with similar verbs like 夺 (duó), which also means to seize but usually implies a more competitive context. It is generally used in formal or literary contexts rather than casual conversation. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing the character can lead to misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
Although 掠 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with words related to taking or seizing, such as 夺 (duó) or 取 (qǔ). Students should focus on the nuances of meaning when using this character in different contexts, especially in literature or historical texts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of plundering is often associated with the numerous invasions and conflicts that have shaped the dynastic narrative, making this character relevant in discussions of warfare and power dynamics.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 掠 with the character 抓 (zhuā), which means to grasp or catch without the implication of forcefulness. Instead of saying '他抓了我的东西' (He grasped my things), using '他掠了我的东西' (He plundered my things) would be incorrect in a non-aggressive context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 掠
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Grammar Patterns of 掠
掠 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 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
伯格侧着头，脸上____过一丝调皮的神情。
Berg tilts his head and a mischievous look crosses his face.
Berg tilts his head and a mischievous look crosses his face.
2
强冷气流从山上疾掠而下。
qiáng lěng qì liú cóng shān shàng jí lüè ér xià。
Blasts of cold air swept down from the mountains.
3
千百种矛盾的思想从他脑中掠过.
qiān bǎi zhǒng máo dùn de sī xiǎng cóng tā nǎo zhōng lüè guò.
A thousand conflicting thoughts rushed through his mind.
4
一朵乌云从天上掠过.
yī duǒ wū yún cóng tiān shàng lüè guò.
A dark cloud passed over the sky.
5
武装暴徒抢掠食物、恐吓群众，该镇居民深受其苦。
wǔ zhuāng bào tú qiāng lüè shí wù、 、 kǒng xià qún， zhòng ， gāi zhèn jū mín shēn shòu。
The town has been plagued by armed thugs who have looted food supplies and terrorized the population.
6
成吉思汗的军队所过之处都被烧杀抢掠光了.
chéng jí sī hàn de jūn duì suǒ guò zhī chǔ dū bèi shāo shā qiāng lüè guāng le.
Genghis Khan's armies destroyed everything in their path.
7
我把眼睛向船尾拦杆一瞄, 顿时浑身掠过一阵预兆性的寒颤.
wǒ bǎ yǎn jīng xiàng chuán wěi lán gān yī miáo, , dùn shí hún shēn lüè guò yī zhèn yù zhào xìng de hán.
I levelled my glance towards the taffrail, foreboding shivers ran over me.
8
剑掠过武士的盾.
jiàn lüè guò wǔ shì de dùn.
The sword glanced off the knight's shield.
9
后掠翼的变型是三角翼.
hòu lüè yì de biàn xíng shì sān jiǎo yì.
A variant of the swept - back wing is the delta wing.
Cultural Notes for 掠
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, the concept of plundering is often associated with the numerous invasions and conflicts that have shaped the dynastic narrative, making this character relevant in discussions of warfare and power dynamics.
Word Family of 掠
Words Containing This Character11
掠夺lüèduóto plunder掠奪
掠èto rob
掠过to flit across掠過
抢掠to loot搶掠
劫掠to loot
掳掠to loot擄掠
浮光掠影blurred scenery
掠夺者robber掠奪者
掠取to plunder
掠美to claim credit due to others
掠卖to press-gang sb and sell into slavery掠賣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 掠夺 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掠
It is pronounced as 'luè', with a falling tone.
It is more commonly found in literary or formal contexts rather than in daily conversations.
Generally, it carries a negative connotation, implying forcefulness or aggression.
