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March 24, 2026
驼(駝)tuó(tuo2)
驼 (tuó) primarily means 'camel,' a large, domesticated animal known for its ability to carry heavy loads across deserts. It can also refer to a humped back or someone who is hunchbacked, highlighting its use in describing physical characteristics. In contexts of transport or carrying, it can imply the action of bearing a load on one's back.
Strokes8Radical马Frequency#16217DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, camels are often associated with trade along the Silk Road, representing endurance and the ability to traverse harsh environments. This historical significance adds depth to the character's meaning.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'tall' camel that has a 't' shape with its humped back. The '驼' character can be envisioned as a camel (the radical '马' representing horse/camel) carrying a heavy load on its back, helping you connect the character's form to its meaning.
Meanings of 驼
tuó(tuo2)
1camel; humpback; to carry on one's back
2hump or hunchbacked
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 驼
驼Simplified
駝Traditional
8Strokes
马Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 驼
Podcast: 驼
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AI Study Notes for 驼
Quick Contrast
骆 (luò) - use 驼 (tuó) for 'camel' specifically when referring to its humped back, while 骆 (luò) can refer to the broader category of camels.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'tall' camel that has a 't' shape with its humped back. The '驼' character can be envisioned as a camel (the radical '马' representing horse/camel) carrying a heavy load on its back, helping you connect the character's form to its meaning.
Usage Notes
When using 驼, be cautious of its formality; it is somewhat neutral but can lean towards literary contexts. Common collocations include 驼峰 (tuófēng, camel's hump) and 驼背 (tuóbèi, hunchback). Remember that pronunciation is crucial, as misplacing tones can lead to confusion with unrelated words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 驼 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK 3 words like 背 (bēi, to carry) and 骑 (qí, to ride), which may help learners associate these concepts. Focusing on the radicals and components in the character can aid in expanding vocabulary related to animals and physical attributes.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, camels are often associated with trade along the Silk Road, representing endurance and the ability to traverse harsh environments. This historical significance adds depth to the character's meaning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 驼 with other characters due to similar pronunciation or tones. For instance, saying 'tuǒ' instead of 'tuó' can lead to misunderstandings, as 'tuǒ' (妥) means 'proper' or 'settled'. Always double-check the tone when practicing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 驼
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Grammar Patterns of 驼
驼 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 2 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他是个瘦高个儿，有点____背。
He was a tall, thin fellow with a slight stoop.
Example Sentences for 驼 (10)
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1
他是个瘦高个儿，有点驼背。
tā shì gè shòu gāo gè ér， ， yǒu diǎn tuó。
He was a tall, thin fellow with a slight stoop.
2
锡西不仅驼背，而且又矮又胖。
xī xī bù jǐn tuó bèi， ， ér qiě yòu ǎi yòu。
Cissie was round-shouldered and dumpy.
3
他们必须找食物喂饱这些动物(骆驼), 否则它们就会死掉.
tā mén bì xū zhǎo shí wù wèi bǎo zhè xiē dòng wù( ( luò), tuó ), fǒu zé tā mén jiù huì.
They must find food for the animals, or the animals will die.
4
骆驼的蹄子虽然非常适合于在干沙上行走，碰到泥泞时却无计可施。
luò tuó de tí zǐ suī rán fēi cháng shì hé yú zài gān shā shàng háng zǒu， ， pèng dào ní nìng shí què wú jì kě。
The camel's feet, well adapted for dry sand, are useless on mud.
5
那只美洲驼有一只腿瘸.
nà zhī měi zhōu tuó yǒu yī zhī tuǐ qué.
The llama has a lame leg.
6
驼鸟是双腿跑得最快的动物.
tuó niǎo shì shuāng tuǐ pǎo dé zuì kuài de dòng wù.
One of them said, " Hey Xiangzi, Camel, you've got a cushy job!
8
我像个老妇人似的驼着背。
wǒ xiàng gè lǎo fù rén sì de tuó zháo bèi。
I was humped like an old lady.
9
钱德勒: 好了,乔伊, 乖点儿, 那么他是驼背?
qián dé lè: : hǎo, le ,, qiáo yī ,, guāi diǎn ér , nà mó?
Chandler: All right Joey, be nice . So does he have a hump?
10
美洲驼既不会咬人也不会踢人。
měi zhōu tuó jì bù huì yǎo rén yě bù huì tī rén。
Llamas won't bite or kick.
Cultural Notes for 驼
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, camels are often associated with trade along the Silk Road, representing endurance and the ability to traverse harsh environments. This historical significance adds depth to the character's meaning.
Word Family of 驼
Words Containing This Character8
骆驼camel駱駝
驼tuócamel駝
驼背hunchbacked駝背
驼鹿elk駝鹿
驼色light tan (color)駝色
驼子hunchback駝子
羊驼alpaca羊駝
单峰驼dromedary單峰駝
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 骆驼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 驼
The pronunciation is 'tuó', with a rising tone. Practicing with audio resources can help reinforce correct intonation.
While not commonly used in daily conversations, it can appear in discussions about animals or in literature.
Yes, it can also describe someone with a humped back, expanding its usage beyond just animals.
