Meanings of 擄
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About 擄
Podcast: 擄
Podcast: 擄
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AI Study Notes for 擄
绑 (bǎng) — use 擄 (lǔ) when emphasizing the act of seizing someone against their will, whereas 绑 (bǎng) focuses more on the act of tying or binding.
Be cautious not to confuse 擄 with similar characters like 抓 (zhuā, to catch) or 拿 (ná, to take), which have less violent connotations. This term is generally used in more serious or formal contexts, such as news reports or legal discussions. Pay attention to the tone; using it lightly in casual conversation might come off as inappropriate.
Although this character is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to the HSK level 5 items like 抓 (zhuā) and 拿 (ná), which also relate to taking or capturing. Focus on understanding the gravity and context in which 擄 is used as it conveys a more severe action.
Learners often confuse 擄 with 抓 (zhuā) and use it in casual contexts, leading to misunderstandings. For instance, saying 擄 with a light tone in a friendly conversation can sound inappropriate; instead, use 抓 for a more casual context.
Pronunciation of 擄
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Etymology of 擄
To catch 虜 someone by the hand 扌; 虜 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 擄
- 1The giveawayTo catch 虜 someone by the hand 扌; 虜 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 擄? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 擄
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How to say to capture, to seize in Chinese
“to capture, to seize” in Chinese is擄
The character 擄 (lǔ) means to capture or seize, often in the context of taking someone or something by force. It is commonly used in discussions of kidnapping, piracy, or any act of taking against someone's will. The nuance includes a sense of violence or coercion associated with the act of capturing.
When to use 擄
Be cautious not to confuse 擄 with similar characters like 抓 (zhuā, to catch) or 拿 (ná, to take), which have less violent connotations. This term is generally used in more serious or formal contexts, such as news reports or legal discussions. Pay attention to the tone; using it lightly in casual conversation might come off as inappropriate.
擄 or something close to it
绑 (bǎng) — use 擄 (lǔ) when emphasizing the act of seizing someone against their will, whereas 绑 (bǎng) focuses more on the act of tying or binding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 擄 with 抓 (zhuā) and use it in casual contexts, leading to misunderstandings. For instance, saying 擄 with a light tone in a friendly conversation can sound inappropriate; instead, use 抓 for a more casual context.
Write 擄
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Practice writing 擄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 擄
Compound Meaning
What does 掳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 擄
In legal terms, 擄 often refers to kidnapping or unlawful seizure, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
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