Meanings of 痨
By ear
Play it, then pick what 痨 means.
About 痨
Podcast: 痨
Podcast: 痨
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 痨
When using 痨, it’s important to ensure it is used in the context of discussing health or illness, as it is a medical term. Learners often confuse it with other terms for illness, so make sure to distinguish it from more general words like 病 (bìng) for 'disease'.
Although 痨 is not included in HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for students at higher levels, especially those focusing on medical or health-related topics. Understanding its context in discussions about diseases can help connect with related vocabulary about health.
Learners may confuse 痨 with other disease-related words, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我得了痨' (Wǒ déle láo) instead of '我得了肺结核' (Wǒ déle fèi jié hé) which is the more specific term for tuberculosis in modern medical language.
Pronunciation of 痨
Drill the tone of 痨, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 痨 to you
Let me explain 痨 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 痨 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 痨?
Learning Lab
Knowing 痨 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 痨
Phonosemantic compound. 疒 represents the meaning and 劳 represents the sound. Simplified form of 癆.
sickness
Origin
痨 = 疒 + 劳. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 痨
Parts
Which of these is part of 痨?
How to say tuberculosis in Chinese
“tuberculosis” in Chinese is痨
The character 痨 (láo) specifically refers to tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. In Chinese medical terminology, it is often associated with historical and traditional understandings of illness, emphasizing its chronic and debilitating nature.
When to use 痨
When using 痨, it’s important to ensure it is used in the context of discussing health or illness, as it is a medical term. Learners often confuse it with other terms for illness, so make sure to distinguish it from more general words like 病 (bìng) for 'disease'.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 痨 with other disease-related words, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我得了痨' (Wǒ déle láo) instead of '我得了肺结核' (Wǒ déle fèi jié hé) which is the more specific term for tuberculosis in modern medical language.
Write 痨
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 痨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 痨
痨 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她干吗要养活这群饿____鬼 呢 ?
Why should she feed this horde of hungry men?
Example sentences for 痨 (1)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 痨?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 痨
Words with 痨
What does 肺痨 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 痨
痨 specifically refers to tuberculosis, while other terms like 病 (bìng) can refer to any disease or illness.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 痨?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.