Meanings of 迂
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About 迂
Podcast: 迂
Podcast: 迂
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AI Study Notes for 迂
迂 (yū) vs 繁 (fán) — use 迂 for overly complicated or indirect methods, while 繁 indicates something is complex or numerous.
Imagine a winding path that is so circuitous that it takes much longer to reach a destination. The character 迂 resembles a person taking a long, drawn-out route (the two components represent a person moving in two directions). This imagery connects to its meaning of being indirect or unnecessarily complicated.
This character is typically used in a more formal context and may sound overly pedantic in casual conversation. Be cautious with its tone, as it can imply criticism of someone's way of thinking or expression. Common collocations include 迂腐 (yūfǔ, pedantic) and 迂回 (yūhuí, circuitous).
Though 迂 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK Level 4 words related to communication and thinking styles. Students should focus on understanding nuances in criticism and descriptions of communication methods.
In traditional Chinese scholarship, there is a cultural emphasis on clarity and directness, making the concept of 迂 relevant when discussing educational or philosophical debates where clarity is often preferred over convoluted reasoning.
Learners often confuse 迂 with similar-sounding words like 余 (yú), which means 'remaining.' For example, saying '他的想法很余' (Tā de xiǎngfǎ hěn yú) is incorrect; the correct expression would be '他的想法很迂' (Tā de xiǎngfǎ hěn yū).
Pronunciation of 迂
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Etymology of 迂
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 于 represents the sound.
walk
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 迂?
Decomposition of 迂
Identify the Components
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Write 迂
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Practice writing 迂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 迂
迂 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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.
Complete the Sentence
我紧随他穿过一条条____迴曲折的窄巷.
I followed him through a maze of narrow alleys.
Example Sentences for 迂 (1)
Cultural Notes for 迂
In traditional Chinese scholarship, there is a cultural emphasis on clarity and directness, making the concept of 迂 relevant when discussing educational or philosophical debates where clarity is often preferred over convoluted reasoning.
Word Family of 迂
Compound Meaning
What does 迂回 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 迂
You can say 他的解释太迂了 (Tā de jiěshì tài yūle), meaning 'His explanation is too convoluted.'