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March 24, 2026
獨dú(du2)
The character 獨 (dú) conveys the idea of being alone, independent, or solitary. It can refer to a person who is standing alone or to something that is unique or singular in nature. Commonly used in contexts discussing independence or solitude, it carries a nuanced connotation of both strength and loneliness.
Strokes16Radical犭Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of independence can be both valued and viewed with caution, especially in family settings. The idea of being '獨' is often tied to personal achievement but can also imply emotional struggles.
Memory Tip
Imagine a lone wolf (獨) howling at the moon, representing independence and solitude. The radical 犬 (dog) hints at animals, and the character's structure can remind you of a single, solitary figure standing tall.
Meanings of 獨
dú(du2)
1alone, independent, only, single, solitary
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 獨
獨Simplified
16Strokes
犭Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 獨
Podcast: 獨
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AI Study Notes for 獨
Quick Contrast
孤 (gū) — use 獨 (dú) for emphasis on independence or uniqueness, while 孤 (gū) emphasizes loneliness or isolation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a lone wolf (獨) howling at the moon, representing independence and solitude. The radical 犬 (dog) hints at animals, and the character's structure can remind you of a single, solitary figure standing tall.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 獨, as it can carry both positive (independence) and negative (loneliness) connotations. It is often used in phrases like '獨立' (dúlì - independent) and '獨自' (dúzì - alone). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that do not share this meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 獨 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it’s useful for learners at HSK 3 and above. Focus on its usage in phrases and idioms to strengthen your understanding of independence and solitude in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of independence can be both valued and viewed with caution, especially in family settings. The idea of being '獨' is often tied to personal achievement but can also imply emotional struggles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 獨 with similar characters like 獨特 (dútè - unique), thinking they are interchangeable. Remember that 獨 focuses more on the state of being alone or independent, while 獨特 emphasizes uniqueness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 獨
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Cultural Notes for 獨
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of independence can be both valued and viewed with caution, especially in family settings. The idea of being '獨' is often tied to personal achievement but can also imply emotional struggles.
Word Family of 獨
Words Containing This Character20
独立dúlìindependent獨立
单独dāndúalone單獨
孤独gūdúlonely孤獨
独自dúzìalone獨自
独特dútèunique獨特
独dúalone獨
独舞solo dance獨舞
独家dújiāexclusive獨家
独一无二dúyīwú’èrnothing compares with it獨一無二
独处to live alone獨處
独有unique to獨有
独资exclusive investment獨資
独到original獨到
独裁dúcáidictatorship獨裁
独裁者dictator獨裁者
独占to monopolize獨佔
独角兽unicorn獨角獸
独身dúshēnunmarried獨身
独白soliloquy獨白
情有独钟to have a feeling for sth (affection, sympathy, passion etc)情有獨鍾
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 独立 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 獨
It is pronounced as 'dú' with a rising tone.
Yes, it can describe positive independence, as in achieving something on your own.
Common phrases include '獨立' (dúlì - independent) and '獨自' (dúzì - alone).
