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March 24, 2026
膂lǚ(lü3)
膂 (lǚ) refers to the backbone or spinal column, symbolizing strength and support in both a physical and metaphorical sense. This character is often used in contexts discussing physical strength, resilience, or foundational support, whether in a literal sense or in terms of character and determination.
Strokes14Radical⺼Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the backbone is viewed as crucial for overall health, and the concept of 'backbone' extends to personal integrity and moral strength in Chinese culture, emphasizing the value of resilience in character.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy spine made of 'lu' (sounds like 'loo'), supporting the entire body. Visualize a superhero standing tall with a strong backbone, ready to face any challenge. The radical '肉' (meat) hints at the character's association with physical strength.
Meanings of 膂
lǚ(lü3)
primary
1backbone, spinal column
2strength
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 膂
膂Simplified
14Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 膂
Podcast: 膂
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AI Study Notes for 膂
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy spine made of 'lu' (sounds like 'loo'), supporting the entire body. Visualize a superhero standing tall with a strong backbone, ready to face any challenge. The radical '肉' (meat) hints at the character's association with physical strength.
Usage Notes
膂 is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it's more likely to appear in literary or formal contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words, and remember that it can convey both physical and metaphorical meanings. Common collocations include '膂力' (strength) and phrases discussing resilience.
HSK Study Tips
膂 is not included in the standard HSK vocabulary lists, but it can be useful for learners at higher levels interested in literature or historical texts. Focus on recognizing the character's components and understanding its metaphorical usage alongside other strength-related terms.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the backbone is viewed as crucial for overall health, and the concept of 'backbone' extends to personal integrity and moral strength in Chinese culture, emphasizing the value of resilience in character.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 膂 with other characters like 肋 (lè) which means rib. A common mistake might be using 膂 to refer to general strength without the proper context; instead, ensure to specify it relates to the backbone or resilience.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 膂
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Cultural Notes for 膂
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the backbone is viewed as crucial for overall health, and the concept of 'backbone' extends to personal integrity and moral strength in Chinese culture, emphasizing the value of resilience in character.
Word Family of 膂
Words Containing This Character2
膂力strength
膂lǚbackbone
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 膂力 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 膂
The correct pronunciation is 'lǚ', with a rising tone.
It's not commonly used in daily conversation but may appear in literary contexts.
You might encounter '膂力' which means strength or physical power.