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驽 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
驽nútired old horse; old, weaka, 8 strokes, radical 马, rank #48719, Very Hard
驽núworn out old horsesunknown, 8 strokes, radical 马, rank #48719, Very Hard
nú(nu2)nu T2
  1. 1tired old horse; old, weak
  2. 2worn out old horses
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March 24, 2026

驽(駑)nú(nu2)

The character 驽 (nú) refers to a tired or weak horse, often implying something that is old or worn out. In a broader context, it can symbolize a lack of vitality or effectiveness, often used metaphorically to describe people or things that have lost their former strength or capability.

Strokes8Radical马Frequency#48719DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, horses are often seen as symbols of strength and vitality. The term 驽 reflects a cultural recognition of aging and the inevitable decline of strength, which can be related to traditional views on aging and wisdom.

Memory tip

Imagine a horse looking tired and worn out, struggling to carry a heavy load. The character 驽 features the radical for 'horse' (马), reminding you of its meaning related to horses. Think of 'Numb horses' that can't gallop anymore, which helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.

Meanings of 驽

nú(nu2)
1tired old horse; old, weak
2worn out old horses
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 驽

驽Simplified
駑Traditional
8Strokes
马Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 驽

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AI Study Notes for 驽

Quick Contrast

驽 (nú) vs 劣 (liè) — use 驽 when emphasizing tiredness or weakness, while 劣 refers more to inferiority or poor quality.

Usage Notes

This word is typically used in a literary or poetic context rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with other horse-related terms; it specifically denotes weakness. It can be used in phrases to describe people metaphorically, but make sure the context is appropriate.

HSK Study Tips

While 驽 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it can connect to themes of age and weariness found in level 4-6 vocabulary like 老 (lǎo, old) and 磨 (mó, to wear out). Focus on understanding how it fits in more literary contexts and idiomatic expressions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 驽 with other horse-related words like 马 (mǎ, horse), using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying '我有一个驽' (wǒ yǒu yī gè nú) to mean 'I have a horse' is incorrect; it should be '我有一匹马' (wǒ yǒu yī pǐ mǎ) instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 驽

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Etymology of 驽

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

horse

Semantic (meaning)马
+
Phonetic (sound)奴
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

驽 = 马 + 奴. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 驽

IDS Structure⿱奴马
驽Full character
=
奴nu2
top
马Ma3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 驽?

How to say tired old horse; old, weak in Chinese

“tired old horse; old, weak” in Chinese is驽nú

The character 驽 (nú) refers to a tired or weak horse, often implying something that is old or worn out. In a broader context, it can symbolize a lack of vitality or effectiveness, often used metaphorically to describe people or things that have lost their former strength or capability.

When to use 驽

This word is typically used in a literary or poetic context rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with other horse-related terms; it specifically denotes weakness. It can be used in phrases to describe people metaphorically, but make sure the context is appropriate.

驽 or something close to it

驽 (nú) vs 劣 (liè) — use 驽 when emphasizing tiredness or weakness, while 劣 refers more to inferiority or poor quality.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 驽 with other horse-related words like 马 (mǎ, horse), using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying '我有一个驽' (wǒ yǒu yī gè nú) to mean 'I have a horse' is incorrect; it should be '我有一匹马' (wǒ yǒu yī pǐ mǎ) instead.

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驽

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Word Family of 驽

Words containing this character2
驽núworn out old horses駑
驽马恋栈豆an incompetent man clings to a good position (idiom)駑馬戀棧豆
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 驽

What does 驽马恋栈豆 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 驽

No, it's more frequently found in literary texts or formal writing.

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