Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
鸕 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鸕lúcormorantx, 27 strokes, radical 鳥
lú(lu2)lu T2
  1. 1cormorant
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鸕lú(lu2)

The character 鸕 (lú) refers to a cormorant, a type of waterbird known for its fishing abilities. In Chinese culture, cormorants are often associated with fishing practices, where they are trained to catch fish for their handlers. This word is commonly used in discussions about wildlife, nature, and fishing traditions.

Strokes27Radical鳥
Cultural note

In some regions of China, cormorant fishing is still practiced, particularly in areas like Guilin. This traditional method highlights the relationship between humans and nature and is a fascinating aspect of Chinese fishing culture.

Memory tip

Imagine a cormorant with its long neck stretching towards the water, ready to dive. The character 鸕 has the radical for bird (鸟), which helps remind you that it is a type of bird, and the pronunciation 'lú' can be remembered by picturing a bird 'lu-ting' in the water.

Meanings of 鸕

lú(lu2)
1cormorant
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 鸕 means.

About 鸕

鸕Simplified
27Strokes
鳥Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鸕

JasonAmy

Podcast: 鸕

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 鸕

Usage Notes

When using 鸕, it's important to remember that it is a more formal term and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It is often seen in literary or documentary contexts. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like 'lu' (路), which means 'road.'

HSK Study Tips

While 鸕 is not included in HSK levels, it can be beneficial to learn alongside related vocabulary about animals and nature. Students should focus on understanding its context in fishing and wildlife discussions, as it can enhance their vocabulary in specific areas.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鸕 (lú) with similar characters or pronunciations. For instance, they might mistakenly say 鸕 when they mean 'lu' (路, road). It's essential to pay attention to context when using this word.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鸕

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 鸕, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 鸕 to you

Let me explain 鸕 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 鸕 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 鸕?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 鸕 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 鸕

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

bird

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

Origin

鸕 = 鳥 + 盧. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 鸕

IDS Structure⿰盧鳥
鸕Full character
=
盧lu2
left
鳥niao3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 鸕?

How to say cormorant in Chinese

“cormorant” in Chinese is鸕lú

The character 鸕 (lú) refers to a cormorant, a type of waterbird known for its fishing abilities. In Chinese culture, cormorants are often associated with fishing practices, where they are trained to catch fish for their handlers. This word is commonly used in discussions about wildlife, nature, and fishing traditions.

When to use 鸕

When using 鸕, it's important to remember that it is a more formal term and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It is often seen in literary or documentary contexts. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like 'lu' (路), which means 'road.'

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 鸕 (lú) with similar characters or pronunciations. For instance, they might mistakenly say 鸕 when they mean 'lu' (路, road). It's essential to pay attention to context when using this word.

Write 鸕

鸕

Practice writing 鸕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 鸕?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 鸕

Words containing this character2
鸬鹚cormorant鸕鶿
鸬lúcormorant鸕
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 鸕

What does 鸬鹚 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 鸕

Cormorants are often trained for fishing, where they dive to catch fish and bring them back to their handlers.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 鸕?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab