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March 24, 2026
于(於)yú(Yu2)
The character 于 (yú) serves multiple functions in Mandarin, primarily as a preposition meaning 'in,' 'at,' 'to,' or 'from.' It can also be a sentence-final particle that indicates a question. In some contexts, it serves as a surname, and it is a variant form of the character 於.
Strokes3Radical二Frequency#393DifficultyHard
Cultural note
The character 于 is commonly used in historical texts and classical literature, reflecting its deep roots in Chinese language and culture. It often appears in phrases related to locations and movement, emphasizing the importance of place in Chinese philosophy.
Memory tip
Think of the character 于 as a simplified image of a person standing at a crossroads (the horizontal line is the road, and the vertical line is the person), representing the idea of 'going' or 'being' at a place. The pronunciation 'yú' can be remembered by associating it with 'you' going to a location.
Meanings of 于
yú(Yu2)
1to go
2to take
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About 于
于Simplified
於Traditional
3Strokes
二Radical
介词jiècípreposition (prep.)Part of Speech
#393Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 于
Podcast: 于
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AI study notes for 于
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 于 with 於, though they are essentially interchangeable in modern usage. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often in literary or written Chinese. Be careful with its tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 于 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is often encountered in HSK 3 and above materials due to its use in sentences and expressions. Students should focus on its prepositional functions and how it connects with verbs in sentences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 于 with other prepositions like 在 (zài), thinking they are interchangeable. For instance, saying '我于学校' instead of '我在学校' (I am at school) can sound awkward; use 在 for more natural spoken Chinese.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 于
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The character 于 (yú) serves multiple functions in Mandarin, primarily as a preposition meaning 'in,' 'at,' 'to,' or 'from.' It can also be a sentence-final particle that indicates a question. In some contexts, it serves as a surname, and it is a variant form of the character 於.
When to use 于
Common mistakes include confusing 于 with 於, though they are essentially interchangeable in modern usage. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often in literary or written Chinese. Be careful with its tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 于 with other prepositions like 在 (zài), thinking they are interchangeable. For instance, saying '我于学校' instead of '我在学校' (I am at school) can sound awkward; use 在 for more natural spoken Chinese.
Write 于
于
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Grammar patterns of 于
于 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 12 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.
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Cultural Notes for 于
💡Did you know?
'于' is often used in literary contexts and can also be found in classical Chinese texts, reflecting its historical significance in the language.
Word Family of 于
Compounds32
举jǔvariant of 舉
宇yǔroom
奉fèngto offer (tribute)
吁xūsh
芋yùtaro
迂yūabstruse, pedantic, unrealistic
盂yúbasin; cup
竽yúfree reed mouth organ
纡yūto twist, to turn, to bend; to distort
舛chuǎnmistaken; to be contrary; to deviate
圩wéidike, embankment
夅jiàngto descend, to fall; to drop, to lower
旴xū
杅yú
汙wū
玗yúsemi-precious stone
盱xūeyes wide open; to gaze in astonishment
芈mǐthe bleating of sheep; surname
訏xū
邘yúa state in Henan province
釪huá
頖pàn
弙wū
扜yū
穻yū
紆yūto twist, to turn, to bend; to distort
舉jǔto raise; to recommend; to praise
虶yū
衧yú
趶kù
酑yú
骬yú
Words containing this character20
于yúin於
关于guānyúpertaining to關於
对于duìyúregarding對於
由于yóuyúdue to由於
终于zhōngyúat last終於
属于shǔyúto belong to屬於
于是yúshìthereupon於是
处于chǔyúto be in (some state, position, or condition)處於
在于zàiyúto be in在於
位于wèiyúto lie位於
至于zhìyúas for至於
用于yòngyúuse in
出于chūyúdue to出於
等于děngyúto equal等於
基于jīyúbecause of基於
低于dīyúto be lower than
过于guòyútoo much過於
高于gāoyúgreater than高於
鉴于jiànyúin view of鑒於
善于shànyúto be good at善於
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 于
What does 宇 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 于
于 can be used in various contexts: as a preposition, a surname, or an interrogative particle. It often signifies relationships in sentences, such as 'by' or 'than', and adds nuance to comparisons and emphatic statements. Exploring its multiple uses will improve your comprehension and ability to express complex ideas.
Yes, 于 (yú) is essentially a simplified variant of 於 (yú). Both characters have similar meanings and usages, but 于 is more commonly used in modern contexts and simplified Chinese, while 於 is used in traditional Chinese. Knowing both forms can be helpful, especially when reading different types of texts.
于 (yú) is a versatile character in Chinese that can function as a surname, a preposition meaning 'by' or 'than', and can also serve as a sentence-final interrogative particle in certain contexts. Additionally, it is a variant of the character 於 (yú). Understanding the various uses of 于 is essential for mastering more complex sentences in Chinese.
To use 于 in a sentence, you can place it before a verb to indicate the means or method of an action, such as in the phrase '于我而言' (yú wǒ ér yán), which means 'as far as I am concerned'. It's also used in comparisons, like '于他更好' (yú tā gèng hǎo), meaning 'better than him'. Familiarizing yourself with its grammatical functions will enhance your fluency.
You can use 于 to indicate location, for example, '我于家里' (I am at home).
Yes, in modern usage, 于 and 於 can often be used interchangeably, especially in written context.
Yes, 于 can be used in both written and spoken contexts, though it may be more common in formal settings.
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