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March 24, 2026
予yú(yu2)
The character 予 (yú) is an archaic term meaning 'I' or 'me,' as well as 'to give' or 'to award.' It is often found in classical texts or formal contexts, reflecting an older usage that is largely replaced by more contemporary terms in modern Mandarin.
Strokes4Radical亅Frequency#14347DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese texts, 予 is often used in formal speech, reflecting the hierarchical nature of communication in traditional Chinese society. Its use can denote respect and authority.
Memory Tip
Imagine a royal figure offering a gift (to give) while saying 'You (yú) shall receive this from me.' The character 予 has a simple form that resembles a hand reaching out, symbolizing the act of giving.
Meanings of 予
yú(yu2)
primary
1(archaic) I
2me
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About 予
予Simplified
4Strokes
亅Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#14347Frequency Rank
Podcast: 予
Podcast: 予
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AI Study Notes for 予
Usage Notes
予 is rarely used in spoken Mandarin today and is mainly found in written classical Chinese or formal documents. Be cautious of mixing it with modern pronouns; instead, use 我 (wǒ) for 'I' in everyday conversations. Additionally, avoid confusing it with the more commonly used 给 (gěi) for 'to give.'
HSK Study Tips
As 予 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, students may encounter it in literary or historical texts. It's useful to recognize it in context, especially when reading classical literature or poetry. Focus on understanding its historical significance rather than its modern applications.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 予 in place of 我 (wǒ) in casual conversations, leading to confusion. For example, saying '予去商店' instead of '我去商店' (I'm going to the store) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 予
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Learning Lab
Knowing 予 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.
The character 予 (yú) is an archaic term meaning 'I' or 'me,' as well as 'to give' or 'to award.' It is often found in classical texts or formal contexts, reflecting an older usage that is largely replaced by more contemporary terms in modern Mandarin.
When to use 予
予 is rarely used in spoken Mandarin today and is mainly found in written classical Chinese or formal documents. Be cautious of mixing it with modern pronouns; instead, use 我 (wǒ) for 'I' in everyday conversations. Additionally, avoid confusing it with the more commonly used 给 (gěi) for 'to give.'
What learners get wrong
Learners may mistakenly use 予 in place of 我 (wǒ) in casual conversations, leading to confusion. For example, saying '予去商店' instead of '我去商店' (I'm going to the store) is incorrect.
Write 予
予
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Grammar Patterns of 予
予 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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.
