Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
赂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
bribeng, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #65372, Very Hard
briberyng, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #65372, Very Hard
bribery; to bribe; to presentng, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #65372, Very Hard
(lu4) T4
  1. 1bribe
  2. 2bribery
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(賂)(lu4)

The character 赂 (lù) refers to the act of giving a bribe or engaging in bribery. It is commonly used in contexts related to corruption or unethical practices, particularly in politics and business. Understanding this term is essential for discussing moral and legal issues in Chinese society.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#65372DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

Bribery is a significant issue in contemporary Chinese society, often seen in discussions about government reform and business practices. The Chinese government has been cracking down on bribery in recent years, making this term particularly relevant in current events.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'lu' (sounds like 'loo') where someone sneaks in to hand over cash under the stall to avoid detection. The character 赂 features the radical for 'money' (贝), visually linking it to the concept of bribery.

Meanings of 赂

(lu4)
1bribe
2bribery
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 赂

Simplified
Traditional
10Strokes
Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#65372Frequency Rank

Podcast: 赂

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 赂

Quick Contrast

贿 (huì) — use 赂 (lù) when emphasizing the act of giving a bribe; use 贿 (huì) when referring more broadly to the concept of bribery or the act itself in a legal context.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'lu' (sounds like 'loo') where someone sneaks in to hand over cash under the stall to avoid detection. The character 赂 features the radical for 'money' (贝), visually linking it to the concept of bribery.

Usage Notes

Be careful to use 赂 in formal discussions about corruption; informal usage may downplay its seriousness. It often collocates with terms like '贿赂' (huìlù), which also means bribery. Note that it is a negative term and should not be used lightly.

HSK Study Tips

Since 赂 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, learners should focus on its relevance in understanding more complex discussions around legality and morality in Chinese. Relate it to terms related to ethics and governance to enhance understanding.

Cultural Note

Bribery is a significant issue in contemporary Chinese society, often seen in discussions about government reform and business practices. The Chinese government has been cracking down on bribery in recent years, making this term particularly relevant in current events.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 赂 with other terms related to gifts or favors, mistakenly thinking it has a neutral meaning. For example, saying '我送他一个赂' (I gave him a bribe) instead of '我送他一个礼物' (I gave him a gift) is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 赂

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 赂

Decomposition of 赂

IDS Structure⿰贝各
Full Character
=
Bei4
left
ge4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 赂?

Write 赂

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 赂

赂 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 3 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

Complete the Sentence

他被指称在任时收受贿____。

It was alleged that he had taken bribes while in office.

Example Sentences for 赂 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他被指称在任时收受贿赂。

tā bèi zhǐ chēng zài rèn shí shōu shòu huì lù。

It was alleged that he had taken bribes while in office.

Cultural Notes for 赂

🏮Cultural insight

Bribery is a significant issue in contemporary Chinese society, often seen in discussions about government reform and business practices. The Chinese government has been cracking down on bribery in recent years, making this term particularly relevant in current events.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, bribery may be openly condemned and legally punished, while in some Asian cultures, it can sometimes be viewed as a social norm or a necessary means to achieve goals.

Word Family of 赂

Words Containing This Character2
贿赂huìlùto bribe賄賂
bribe
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 贿赂 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 赂

赂 (lù) refers specifically to the act of bribing, while 贿赂 (huìlù) is more commonly used to denote bribery in a broader sense.