to paddle upstream, to go against the current; to trace the source; formerly
vg, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #55985, Very Hard
溯
sù
to go upstream
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 氵, rank #55985, Very Hard
sù(su4) T4
1to paddle upstream, to go against the current; to trace the source; formerly
2to go upstream
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March 24, 2026
溯sù(su4)
The character 溯 (sù) means to paddle upstream or to trace the source of something. It is often used in contexts where one is metaphorically going against the flow or looking back to understand origins. This character conveys a sense of returning to the beginning or investigating deeper roots.
Strokes13Radical氵Frequency#55985DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of tracing back to origins is significant, often seen in poetry and philosophical texts that explore the roots of ideas or traditions. The phrase '溯源' (sùyuán) means tracing back to the source, which is a common theme in Chinese literature.
Memory Tip
Visualize a river flowing downstream and imagine a determined person paddling upstream against the current. The character 溯 resembles a flowing water radical (氵) combined with a component that suggests movement or direction. Think of 'sù' as 'sailing upstream' to remember its pronunciation.
Meanings of 溯
sù(su4)
1to paddle upstream, to go against the current; to trace the source; formerly
2to go upstream
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 溯
溯Simplified
13Strokes
氵Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 溯
Podcast: 溯
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AI Study Notes for 溯
Quick Contrast
溯 (sù) vs 追 (zhuī) — use 溯 when emphasizing tracing origins or going upstream, while 追 focuses on pursuing or chasing something forward.
Memory Mnemonic
Visualize a river flowing downstream and imagine a determined person paddling upstream against the current. The character 溯 resembles a flowing water radical (氵) combined with a component that suggests movement or direction. Think of 'sù' as 'sailing upstream' to remember its pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 溯 with similar characters related to water, like 水 (shuǐ). It is typically used in formal contexts, especially in literature or historical discussions. Make sure to use it when addressing origins or tracing back events, rather than in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 溯 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with characters related to water and movement found in lower levels. Students should focus on recognizing the water radical and the concept of tracing back or going upstream in both literal and metaphorical senses.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of tracing back to origins is significant, often seen in poetry and philosophical texts that explore the roots of ideas or traditions. The phrase '溯源' (sùyuán) means tracing back to the source, which is a common theme in Chinese literature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 溯 with 速 (sù), which means fast. For example, saying '我想要速水' (wǒ xiǎng yào sù shuǐ) instead of '我想要溯源' (wǒ xiǎng yào sùyuán) demonstrates a misunderstanding of the water-related meanings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 溯
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Grammar Patterns of 溯
溯 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 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
这个团体与叙利亚的关系可以追____到《圣经》时代。
The community's links with Syria date back to biblical times.
Example Sentences for 溯 (10)
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1
这个团体与叙利亚的关系可以追溯到《圣经》时代。
zhè gè tuán tǐ yǔ xù lì yà de guān xì kě yǐ zhuī sù dào《 《 shèng》 jīng 》。
The community's links with Syria date back to biblical times.
2
这枚胸针的历史可以追溯到公元前4世纪。
zhè méi xiōng zhēn de lì shǐ kě yǐ zhuī sù dào gōng yuán qián4 4 shì。
The brooch dates back to the fourth century BC.
3
这位精神病学家将她的一些问题成功地追溯到她童年时代遭受的严重创伤。
zhè wèi jīng shén bìng xué jiā jiāng tā de yī xiē wèn tí chéng gōng dì zhuī sù dào tā tóng nián shí dài zāo shòu de yán zhòng chuàng shāng。
The psychiatrist successfully traced some of her problems to severe childhood traumas.
4
这两家公司的往来可以追溯到30年前。
zhè liǎng jiā gōng sī de wǎng lái kě yǐ zhuī sù dào30 30 nián。
The association between the two companies stretches back thirty years.
5
故事可以追溯到1950年，那时我才5岁。
gù shì kě yǐ zhuī sù dào1950 1950， nián ， nà shí5 wǒ。
The story starts back in 1950, when I was five.
6
那些可以追溯到1855年的石阶开始出现磨损。
nà xiē kě yǐ zhuī sù dào1855 1855 nián de shí jiē kāi shǐ chū xiàn mó。
The stone steps, dating back to 1855, are beginning to wear.
7
这个非常全面的调查可追溯到1784年。
zhè gè fēi cháng quán miàn de tiáo chá kě zhuī sù dào1784 1784。
This very thorough survey goes back to
8
珀西对兰花的痴迷可以回溯到1951年。
pò xī duì lán huā de chī mí kě yǐ huí sù dào1951 1951。
Percy's enchant-ment with orchids dates back to
9
这些树的系谱可以追溯到数千年前.
zhè xiē shù de xì pǔ kě yǐ zhuī sù dào shù qiān nián qián.
These trees have pedigrees stretching back thousands of years.
10
我们乘坐平底长船溯河而上到格兰切斯特，在草地上举行野餐。
wǒ mén chéng zuò píng dǐ cháng chuán sù hé ér shàng dào gé lán qiē sī tè， ， zài cǎo dì shàng jǔ háng yě。
We punted up towards Grantchester and had a picnic in a meadow.
Cultural Notes for 溯
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of tracing back to origins is significant, often seen in poetry and philosophical texts that explore the roots of ideas or traditions. The phrase '溯源' (sùyuán) means tracing back to the source, which is a common theme in Chinese literature.
Word Family of 溯
Words Containing This Character8
追溯zhuīsùlit. to go upstream
回溯to recall
溯sùto go upstream
溯源to investigate the origin of sth
追根溯源to pursue sth back to its origins
追本溯源to trace sth back to its origin
寻根溯源to pursue sth back to its origins尋根溯源
推本溯源to go back to the source
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 追溯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 溯
You can use it in a phrase like '溯源追根' (sùyuán zhuīgēn), which means to trace back to the source.
No, it is more commonly found in formal writing or literature rather than in daily spoken Chinese.
Some synonyms include 回溯 (huísù), which also means to trace back.
