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物流 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
物流wùliúdistribution (business)HSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #34505, Very Hard
物流wùliúlogisticsHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #34505, Very Hard
wùliú(wu4liu2)wu liu T4
  1. 1distribution (business)
  2. 2logistics
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March 24, 2026

物流wùliú(wu4liu2)

物流 (wù liú) refers to the process of managing the flow of goods, information, and resources from the point of origin to the point of consumption. It is commonly used in business contexts, particularly in supply chain management, where efficient logistics are crucial for operational success.

Strokes18Frequency#34505DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In China, the logistics industry has rapidly evolved due to the rise of e-commerce, making efficient logistics a key component of modern business operations. Major companies like Alibaba have invested heavily in logistics networks, reflecting the importance of this term in daily commerce.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bustling warehouse filled with goods moving on conveyor belts. The character 物 (wù) resembles an object being transported, while 流 (liú) suggests flowing water, symbolizing the smooth movement of items in logistics. Together, they paint a picture of efficient distribution.

Meanings of 物流

wùliú(wu4liu2)
1distribution (business)
2logistics
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About 物流

物流Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

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AI Study Notes for 物流

Quick Contrast

运输 (yùnshū) refers specifically to the transportation aspect of moving goods, while 物流 (wùliú) encompasses the broader management of the entire flow of goods and information.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 物流 with related terms such as 配送 (pèi sòng), which specifically means delivery. The term is used in formal business contexts, so it's less common in everyday conversation. Pay attention to the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Although 物流 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it is relevant for learners interested in business Chinese. Students should focus on understanding related terms within the logistics and supply chain sector to enhance their vocabulary in this area.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 物流 with 运输 (yùn shū), which means transportation. For example, saying '我需要一个运输计划' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè yùn shū jìhuà) instead of '我需要一个物流计划' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè wù liú jìhuà) can lead to misunderstandings about the broader logistical processes involved.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 物流

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Component Characters

物wùthing
HSK 28 strokes牛
View full entry
流liúto flow
HSK 410 strokes氵
View full entry

How to say distribution (business) in Chinese

“distribution (business)” in Chinese is物流wùliú

物流 (wù liú) refers to the process of managing the flow of goods, information, and resources from the point of origin to the point of consumption. It is commonly used in business contexts, particularly in supply chain management, where efficient logistics are crucial for operational success.

When to use 物流

Be careful not to confuse 物流 with related terms such as 配送 (pèi sòng), which specifically means delivery. The term is used in formal business contexts, so it's less common in everyday conversation. Pay attention to the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.

物流 or something close to it

运输 (yùnshū) refers specifically to the transportation aspect of moving goods, while 物流 (wùliú) encompasses the broader management of the entire flow of goods and information.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 物流 with 运输 (yùn shū), which means transportation. For example, saying '我需要一个运输计划' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè yùn shū jìhuà) instead of '我需要一个物流计划' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè wù liú jìhuà) can lead to misunderstandings about the broader logistical processes involved.

Write 物流

物
流

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 物流

物流 encompasses the entire process of logistics, including storage and transportation, while 配送 specifically refers to the delivery aspect.

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