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March 24, 2026
魄pò(po4)
The character 魄 (pò) refers to the mortal soul or spirit that is connected to the physical body. It can also imply vigor or energy, suggesting a more earthly aspect of existence. In traditional Chinese thought, it contrasts with the character ‘灵’ (líng), which denotes a more ethereal or spiritual soul.
Strokes14Radical鬼Frequency#15901DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, the concept of the soul is integral to understanding health and vitality. 魄 is often discussed in the context of yin and yang, reflecting the balance of physical and spiritual well-being.
Memory Tip
Think of 魄 (pò) as a combination of the radical 魚 (fish) and the character 白 (white), suggesting a lively spirit swimming through life. Imagine a spirited fish, full of energy and vitality, embodying the essence of life and the connection to the body.
Meanings of 魄
pò(po4)
1soul
2mortal soul, i.e. attached to the body
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 魄
魄Simplified
14Strokes
鬼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#15901Frequency Rank
Podcast: 魄
Podcast: 魄
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AI Study Notes for 魄
Quick Contrast
灵 (líng) - use 魄 (pò) when referring to the mortal or earthly aspect of the soul, while 灵 (líng) emphasizes the ethereal or spiritual dimension.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 魄 (pò) as a combination of the radical 魚 (fish) and the character 白 (white), suggesting a lively spirit swimming through life. Imagine a spirited fish, full of energy and vitality, embodying the essence of life and the connection to the body.
Usage Notes
This term is often used in philosophical or literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse 魄 (pò) with 灵 (líng), as they represent different aspects of the soul. It's also important to use the correct tone, as mispronunciation can change the word's meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 魄 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to vocabulary regarding emotions and spirituality, which are often explored in advanced studies. Focus on understanding its contrasts with other soul-related terms in Chinese.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, the concept of the soul is integral to understanding health and vitality. 魄 is often discussed in the context of yin and yang, reflecting the balance of physical and spiritual well-being.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 魄 with the more commonly used 灵, leading to misunderstandings in context. For example, saying '我失去了我的灵' (I lost my spirit) instead of '我失去了我的魄' (I lost my mortal soul) can convey a different meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 魄
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Grammar Patterns of 魄
魄 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 3 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
这是一部气势恢宏、引人入胜的电影，充满了动人心____的瑰丽意象。
This is an ambitious and intriguing movie, full of striking imagery.
Example Sentences for 魄 (7)
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1
这是一部气势恢宏、引人入胜的电影，充满了动人心魄的瑰丽意象。
zhè shì yī bù qì shì huī hóng、 、 yǐn rén rù shèng de diàn， yǐng ， chōng mǎn le dòng rén xīn pò de guī lì。
This is an ambitious and intriguing movie, full of striking imagery.
Washington looks like a poster boy for strength and athleticism.
3
她是个很有魄力的知识分子，不惧怕说出自己的想法。
tā shì gè hěn yǒu pò lì de zhī shí fēn zǐ， ， bù jù pà shuō chū zì jǐ de xiǎng。
She was a forceful intellectual unafraid to speak her mind.
4
坚强 、 自信 、有气魄的郭振山,实在说,永远也不会向人低三下四啊!
jiān qiáng、 、 zì、 xìn 、 yǒu qì pò de guō, zhèn shān ,, shí zài shuō , yǒng yuǎn yě bù huì xiàng rén dī!
Stubborn, self - confident Guo Zhenshan has never gone crawling to anyone.
5
他束手无策地站着,活像丢魂失魄似的.
tā shù shǒu wú cè dì zhàn zháo, , huó xiàng diū hún shī pò sì.
He stood helplessly, like a lost soul.
6
所以你的意思是我们应该一起又穷又落魄的逃走?
suǒ yǐ nǐ de yì sī shì wǒ mén yīng gāi yī qǐ yòu qióng yòu luò pò de táo zǒu?
So, your idea is that we should run away together and be poor?
7
有时你努力的伸出手来,疤上加疤;有时吓得你魂飞魄散.
yǒu shí nǐ nǔ lì de shēn chū shǒu lái, , bā shàng jiā; bā ; yǒu shí xià dé nǐ hún fēi.
You'll occasionally rip up your hands and generally scab various body parts.
Cultural Notes for 魄
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, the concept of the soul is integral to understanding health and vitality. 魄 is often discussed in the context of yin and yang, reflecting the balance of physical and spiritual well-being.
Word Family of 魄
Words Containing This Character16
魄pòsoul
惊心动魄jīngxīndòngpòshaking one to the core驚心動魄
魄力pòlìcourage
魂魄soul
气魄qìpòspirit氣魄
体魄physique體魄
魂飞魄散fig. to be frightened stiff魂飛魄散
落魄down and out
动人心魄(idiom) breathtaking動人心魄
失魂落魄dazed
胆魄courage膽魄
三魂七魄three immortal souls and seven mortal forms in Daoism, contrasting the spiritual and carnal side of man
丧魂落魄scared out of one's wits (idiom); in a panic喪魂落魄
动魄惊心shattering動魄驚心
丧魂失魄distraught喪魂失魄
丢魂落魄dazed丟魂落魄
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 魄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 魄
魄 refers to the mortal soul connected to the body, while 灵 represents the spiritual or ethereal aspect of the soul.
It's more commonly found in literary or philosophical contexts rather than in everyday speech.
Link it to the idea of a 'pot' of energy and spirit that you carry with you.
