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March 24, 2026
隅yú(yu2)
The character 隅 (yú) refers to a corner or niche, often used to describe a small, secluded space. It can denote the physical corners of rooms or objects, as well as metaphorical corners, such as an overlooked aspect of a situation or idea.
Strokes11Radical阝Frequency#44611DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese architecture and design, the concept of corners is significant, as they often represent stability and protection. This is why many traditional Chinese homes are designed with careful attention to the placement of corners.
Memory Tip
Imagine a little mouse hiding in the corner of a room (隅) to avoid being seen. The character has a 'corner' (the radical 阝) that looks like a small wall, suggesting privacy and seclusion.
Meanings of 隅
yú(yu2)
1corner, cranny, niche
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 隅
隅Simplified
11Strokes
阝Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 隅
Podcast: 隅
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AI Study Notes for 隅
Quick Contrast
角 (jiǎo) — use 隅 (yú) for more secluded or specific corners, while 角 (jiǎo) refers to more general corners or angles.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a little mouse hiding in the corner of a room (隅) to avoid being seen. The character has a 'corner' (the radical 阝) that looks like a small wall, suggesting privacy and seclusion.
Usage Notes
This character is typically used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in written language. Be careful not to confuse it with other characters that have similar meanings, such as 角 (jiǎo), which also means 'corner' but is used in different contexts. Make sure to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 隅 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be related to other HSK words that describe locations or positions, such as 角 (jiǎo) and 里 (lǐ). Focus on understanding its usage in context and how it can complement other vocabulary at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese architecture and design, the concept of corners is significant, as they often represent stability and protection. This is why many traditional Chinese homes are designed with careful attention to the placement of corners.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 隅 with 角 (jiǎo), leading to errors in meaning. For example, saying 隅 instead of 角 when referring to 'a corner of a street' would be incorrect; the correct usage is '街角 (jiējiǎo)'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 隅
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Grammar Patterns of 隅
隅 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.
East Street office is located in the southeast corner Datong.
4
冰很难越过尖锐的角隅.
bīng hěn nán yuè guò jiān ruì de jiǎo yú.
Ice has difficulty in negotiating sharp corners.
Cultural Notes for 隅
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese architecture and design, the concept of corners is significant, as they often represent stability and protection. This is why many traditional Chinese homes are designed with careful attention to the placement of corners.
Word Family of 隅
Words Containing This Character5
隅yúcorner
向隅fig. to miss out on sth
察隅Zayü county, Tibetan: Rdza yul rdzong, in Nyingchi prefecture 林芝地區|林芝地区[Línzhīdìqū], Tibet
海隅coastal area
察隅县Zayü county, Tibetan: Rdza yul rdzong, in Nyingchi prefecture 林芝地區|林芝地区[Línzhīdìqū], Tibet察隅縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 隅 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 隅
The correct pronunciation is 'yú', with the second tone.
Yes, while it's more commonly found in written language, you can use it in conversation when discussing physical spaces.
You might encounter phrases like 房间的隅 (fángjiān de yú) meaning 'the corner of the room'.
