unknown, 17 strokes, radical 黑, rank #46645, Very Hard
yǒu(you3) T3
1black
2dark green
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March 24, 2026
黝yǒu(you3)
The character 黝 (yǒu) primarily means 'black' or 'dark green'. It is often used in contexts related to colors, particularly to describe darker shades. This term can also convey a sense of depth and richness in color, frequently appearing in literary or poetic texts.
Strokes17Radical黑Frequency#46645DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, colors have deep symbolic meanings. The use of 黝 can evoke feelings of mystery or elegance, often found in poetry and art that explores themes of nature and darkness.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 黝 as a deep, dark shadow (the black color) casting over a green landscape. The left side (黑 hēi) resembles a shadow, while the right side (尤 yóu) evokes the idea of something particularly dark or deep. Imagine a black forest at night to help remember 'yǒu' and its meaning.
Meanings of 黝
yǒu(you3)
1black
2dark green
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 黝
黝Simplified
17Strokes
黑Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 黝
Podcast: 黝
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AI Study Notes for 黝
Quick Contrast
黯 (àn) - use 黝 (yǒu) for darker shades with richness, while 黯 (àn) often implies a sense of gloom or sadness.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 黝 as a deep, dark shadow (the black color) casting over a green landscape. The left side (黑 hēi) resembles a shadow, while the right side (尤 yóu) evokes the idea of something particularly dark or deep. Imagine a black forest at night to help remember 'yǒu' and its meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 黝 with similar characters like 黑 (hēi), which also means black but is more commonly used. This word is more formal and literary, so it’s less likely to be used in everyday conversations. Be mindful of the third tone, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
While 黝 is not included in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with words describing colors, which are frequently encountered at HSK Level 3 and above. Focus on recognizing the tone and context in which this character appears, especially in written texts.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, colors have deep symbolic meanings. The use of 黝 can evoke feelings of mystery or elegance, often found in poetry and art that explores themes of nature and darkness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 黝 with the more common 黑 (hēi), using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying '我喜欢黝的颜色' instead of '我喜欢黑色' (I like black).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 黝
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Grammar Patterns of 黝
黝 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他们在海边呆了几个星期，皮肤晒得____黑发亮。
Their skin was tanned and glowing from their weeks at the sea.
Example Sentences for 黝 (10)
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1
他们在海边呆了几个星期，皮肤晒得黝黑发亮。
tā mén zài hǎi biān dāi le jī gè xīng qī， ， pí fū shài dé yǒu hēi fā。
Their skin was tanned and glowing from their weeks at the sea.
2
他是个身材修长、表情庄重、皮肤黝黑的帅小伙。
tā shì gè shēn cái xiū cháng、 、 biǎo qíng zhuāng、 zhòng 、 pí fū yǒu hēi de shuài。
He was tall, dark and handsome, like a Mills and Boon hero.
7
她瘦高个, 皮肤黝黑, 有一双漂亮的大眼睛.
tā shòu gāo gè, , pí fū yǒu, hēi , yǒu yī shuāng piāo liàng de dà.
She was tall , slim, rather swarthy, with large saucy eyes.
8
他脱下了衬衫展现出晒得黝黑的身体.
tā tuō xià le chèn shān zhǎn xiàn chū shài dé yǒu hēi de shēn tǐ.
He took off his shirt to reveal his tanned torso.
9
他脸上黝黑滑润,由于出汗而发光.
tā liǎn shàng yǒu hēi huá rùn, , yóu yú chū hàn ér fā.
His skin was tanned and smooth and shiny with sweat.
10
我不想晒得黝黑，只想晒成一种漂亮的淡金色。
wǒ bù xiǎng shài dé yǒu hēi， ， zhī xiǎng shài chéng yī zhǒng piāo liàng de dàn jīn。
I don't want to be really really brown, just have a nice light golden colour.
Cultural Notes for 黝
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, colors have deep symbolic meanings. The use of 黝 can evoke feelings of mystery or elegance, often found in poetry and art that explores themes of nature and darkness.
Word Family of 黝
Words Containing This Character2
黝黑dark
黝yǒublack
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 黝黑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 黝
No, it is more often found in literary contexts rather than everyday speech.
The correct pronunciation is yǒu, with a falling-rising tone.
Similar words include 黑 (hēi) for black and 深 (shēn) for deep.
