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March 24, 2026
錄lù(lu4)
The character 錄 (lù) denotes the act of copying, recording, or writing down information. It is commonly used in contexts involving documentation, such as taking notes, making audio recordings, or entering data into a system. The nuance of this character often implies a formal or systematic approach to recording information.
Strokes16Radical釒Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, recording and documentation are highly valued, especially in academic and legal contexts. The use of recording in official meetings or ceremonies is common, reflecting the importance of preserving information accurately.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'record' of gold (the radical 錯 means metal) being carefully 'written down' in a notebook. Picture a shiny gold record being placed into a book, reminding you that 錄 (lù) means to record or write down.
Meanings of 錄
lù(lu4)
1to copy, to record, to write down
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 錄
錄Simplified
16Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 錄
Podcast: 錄
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AI Study Notes for 錄
Quick Contrast
录 (lù, to record) vs 写 (xiě, to write) — choose 録 when the emphasis is on systematic documentation rather than just the act of writing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'record' of gold (the radical 錯 means metal) being carefully 'written down' in a notebook. Picture a shiny gold record being placed into a book, reminding you that 錄 (lù) means to record or write down.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 錄 (lù) with 錯 (cuò), which means error or wrong. This character is more often used in formal contexts, such as in legal or academic settings, and can be commonly seen in phrases like 錄音 (lùyīn), which means audio recording. Ensure the correct tone is used; 錄 is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).
HSK Study Tips
While 錄 is not officially listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with other verbs related to actions, especially in HSK level 3 and above where recording and documentation become more relevant. Focus on using it in phrases and compound words to enhance vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, recording and documentation are highly valued, especially in academic and legal contexts. The use of recording in official meetings or ceremonies is common, reflecting the importance of preserving information accurately.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 錄 (lù) with 录 (lù), which is a simplified form. For example, saying '我需要錄音' is incorrect in simplified contexts; it should be '我需要录音' for correct usage.
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Pronunciation of 錄
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Simplified form of 錄. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 彔 represents the sound. The traditional component 金 was removed for simplification.
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Cultural Notes for 錄
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, recording and documentation are highly valued, especially in academic and legal contexts. The use of recording in official meetings or ceremonies is common, reflecting the importance of preserving information accurately.
Word Family of 錄
Words Containing This Character20
记录jìlùto record記錄
录lùdiary錄
录像lùxiàngto videotape錄像
纪录jìlùto record紀錄
录取lùqǔto admit (a student)錄取
录音lùyīnto record (sound)錄音
登录dēnglùto register登錄
录像带video cassette錄像帶
目录mùlùcatalog目錄
录制lùzhìto record (video or audio)錄製
备忘录bèiwànglùmemorandum備忘錄
纪录片jìlùpiànnewsreel紀錄片
世界纪录world record世界紀錄
语录quotation (from a book or existing source)語錄
录用to hire (an employee)錄用
收录to record收錄
录音带audio tape錄音帶
笔录transcript筆錄
录音机lùyīnjītape recorder錄音機
回忆录huíyìlùmemoir回憶錄
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 记录 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 錄
While both can mean to record, 錄 (lù) is typically used for more formal recording, such as audio or video, whereas 記 (jì) generally refers to jotting down notes or memories.
Yes, but it's more commonly associated with formal contexts; for personal notes, 記 (jì) might be more appropriate.
Think of the word 'look' and remember that 錄 is pronounced with a falling tone, as if your gaze drops to the ground.
