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March 24, 2026
伍Wǔ(Wu3)
The character 伍 (Wǔ) primarily refers to the number five, often seen in military contexts as a squad of five soldiers. Additionally, it serves as a surname in China. The character can also imply association or companionship among groups of five.
Strokes6Radical亻Frequency#13319DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of five (伍) holds significance in Chinese culture, often linked to the Five Elements (木, 火, 土, 金, 水) that play a crucial role in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine.
Memory Tip
Imagine a group of five friends (伍) standing together, forming a strong bond. The character looks like a person (𠂇) standing with four others (五), symbolizing unity in a group of five.
Meanings of 伍
Wǔ(Wu3)
1squad of five soldiers
2to associate with
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About 伍
伍Simplified
6Strokes
亻Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#13319Frequency Rank
Podcast: 伍
Podcast: 伍
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AI Study Notes for 伍
Usage Notes
Be cautious of using 伍 in formal contexts, as it may sound overly casual when referring to groups or military ranks. Common collocations include 伍人 (group of five) and 伍长 (squad leader). Ensure the tone is pronounced correctly when using in conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 伍 is not part of the official HSK levels, it relates to basic numerals learned in early stages. Students should focus on recognizing its use in military and group contexts, connecting it with other numerical characters.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 伍 with the character 五 (five) in terms of pronunciation, forgetting the tone. For example, saying 'wu' instead of 'wǔ' can lead to misunderstandings. Always remember the correct tone to convey the right meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 伍
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Learning Lab
Knowing 伍 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 伍 (Wǔ) primarily refers to the number five, often seen in military contexts as a squad of five soldiers. Additionally, it serves as a surname in China. The character can also imply association or companionship among groups of five.
When to use 伍
Be cautious of using 伍 in formal contexts, as it may sound overly casual when referring to groups or military ranks. Common collocations include 伍人 (group of five) and 伍长 (squad leader). Ensure the tone is pronounced correctly when using in conversation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 伍 with the character 五 (five) in terms of pronunciation, forgetting the tone. For example, saying 'wu' instead of 'wǔ' can lead to misunderstandings. Always remember the correct tone to convey the right meaning.
Write 伍
伍
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Grammar Patterns of 伍
伍 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 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.
