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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
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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1The giveawayFive 五 people 亻; 五 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 伍? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 伍?
Decomposition of 伍
IDS Structure⿰亻五
伍Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
五wu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 伍?
How to say surname Wu in Chinese
“surname Wu” in Chinese is伍Wǔ
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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Practice writing 伍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
