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犊 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
犊dúcalf; sacrificial lambng, 12 strokes, radical 牛, rank #28355, Very Hard
犊dúsacrificial victimunknown, 12 strokes, radical 牛, rank #28355, Very Hard
dú(du2)du T2
  1. 1calf; sacrificial lamb
  2. 2sacrificial victim
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March 24, 2026

犊(犢)dú(du2)

The character 犊 (dú) primarily refers to a 'calf,' specifically the young of certain animals like cattle. It can also denote a 'sacrificial lamb' or 'victim,' reflecting its usage in cultural or religious contexts where young animals are offered as sacrifices.

Strokes12Radical牛Frequency#28355DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese culture, young animals like calves are often used in religious ceremonies and sacrifices, symbolizing purity and innocence, which reflects the importance of livestock in agrarian societies.

Memory tip

Imagine a small, fluffy calf grazing in a sunny meadow, its gentle demeanor representing innocence. The character 犊 has the radical 犬 (dog) at the bottom, hinting at its connection to animals, while the top part resembles a small calf's ears, reminding you of the sound 'dú' as it calls out.

Meanings of 犊

dú(du2)
1calf; sacrificial lamb
2sacrificial victim
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 犊

犊Simplified
犢Traditional
12Strokes
牛Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 犊

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Podcast: 犊

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AI Study Notes for 犊

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 犊 with similar characters like 小 (xiǎo, small) or 牦 (máo, yak). This term is typically used in more formal or literary contexts when discussing livestock or sacrificial practices. Be mindful of using the correct tone, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 犊 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to HSK Level 3 and 4 words related to animals and agriculture. Focus on the radicals and components of the character to expand your understanding of related terms in animal husbandry.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 犊 with other animal-related characters. For example, using 犊 to refer to a puppy instead of a calf is incorrect; use 小狗 (xiǎo gǒu) for puppy.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 犊

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Etymology of 犊

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory hint

To sacrifice 卖 a calf 牛

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 犊?

Decomposition of 犊

IDS Structure⿰牛卖
犊Full character
=
牛Niu2
left
卖mai4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 犊?

How to say calf; sacrificial lamb in Chinese

“calf; sacrificial lamb” in Chinese is犊dú

The character 犊 (dú) primarily refers to a 'calf,' specifically the young of certain animals like cattle. It can also denote a 'sacrificial lamb' or 'victim,' reflecting its usage in cultural or religious contexts where young animals are offered as sacrifices.

When to use 犊

Common mistakes include confusing 犊 with similar characters like 小 (xiǎo, small) or 牦 (máo, yak). This term is typically used in more formal or literary contexts when discussing livestock or sacrificial practices. Be mindful of using the correct tone, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 犊 with other animal-related characters. For example, using 犊 to refer to a puppy instead of a calf is incorrect; use 小狗 (xiǎo gǒu) for puppy.

Write 犊

犊

Practice writing 犊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 犊

犊 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 2

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

他的母牛每年产____时,他都给自家留上一两头。

When his cows calve each year he keeps one or two calves for his family.

Example Sentences for 犊 (2)

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1
他的母牛每年产犊时,他都给自家留上一两头。

tā de mǔ niú měi nián chǎn dú shí, tā dōu gěi zì jiā liú shàng yī liǎng tóu。

When his cows calve each year he keeps one or two calves for his family.
2
肥畜养肥备宰的幼畜(如羊羔、牛犊)

féi chù yǎng féi bèi zǎi de yòu chù( rú yáng gāo、 niú dú)

A young animal, such as a lamb or calf, fattened for slaughter.

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Word Family of 犊

Words containing this character9
犊dúcalf犢
牛犊calf牛犢
犊子calf犢子
初生牛犊不怕虎fig. the young are fearless初生牛犢不怕虎
护犊子(of a woman) to be fiercely protective of one's children護犢子
舐犊情深lit. the cow licking its calf fondly (idiom)舐犢情深
初生之犊不畏虎fig. the fearlessness of youth初生之犢不畏虎
初生之犊不怕虎fig. the fearlessness of youth初生之犢不怕虎
带牛佩犊to abandon armed struggle and return to raising cattle (idiom)帶牛佩犢
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 犊

What does 牛犊 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 犊

It is pronounced as 'dú' with a rising tone.

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