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March 24, 2026
僕pú(pu2)
The character 僕 (pú) primarily refers to a servant or someone who serves, often in a humble or subservient role. It can also imply a physical position of being prostrate or lying down, which conveys a sense of submission or servitude. This character is commonly used in historical contexts or discussions about social hierarchy.
Strokes14Radical亻Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese society, the concept of 僕 relates closely to the hierarchical structure where servants played essential roles in households. This character can evoke discussions about class and labor in historical contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a servant (僕) who is so dedicated that he always falls forward (the top part resembles a person leaning down). The sound 'pú' can be remembered by thinking of 'puddle'—a servant who is so humble, he is like a puddle on the ground.
Meanings of 僕
pú(pu2)
1to fall forward; prostrate, prone; servant
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 僕
僕Simplified
14Strokes
亻Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 僕
Podcast: 僕
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AI Study Notes for 僕
Quick Contrast
仆 (pú) refers specifically to a servant, often in a more formal or traditional context, whereas 僕 (pú) can imply a more general sense of servitude or a humble position.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a servant (僕) who is so dedicated that he always falls forward (the top part resembles a person leaning down). The sound 'pú' can be remembered by thinking of 'puddle'—a servant who is so humble, he is like a puddle on the ground.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 僕; it is pronounced with a rising tone (pú). This character is more formal and may not be widely used in everyday casual conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to servitude or historical contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As 僕 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, focus on understanding its historical relevance and usage in literature. This character can connect with other words related to social roles and relationships, enhancing your vocabulary around servitude.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese society, the concept of 僕 relates closely to the hierarchical structure where servants played essential roles in households. This character can evoke discussions about class and labor in historical contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 僕 with 朋 (péng), which means 'friend.' Remember that 僕 implies servitude rather than companionship. Additionally, using 僕 in casual contexts can seem outdated or overly formal.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 僕
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Cultural Notes for 僕
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese society, the concept of 僕 relates closely to the hierarchical structure where servants played essential roles in households. This character can evoke discussions about class and labor in historical contexts.
Word Family of 僕
Words Containing This Character13
仆人servant僕人
女仆drudge女僕
仆pūto fall forward
公仆gōngpúpublic servant公僕
风尘仆仆fig. travel-worn風塵僕僕
奴仆servant奴僕
前仆后继advancing wave upon wave前仆後繼
主仆master and servant主僕
仆役servant僕役
太仆Grand Servant in Imperial China, one of the Nine Ministers 九卿[jiǔqīng]太僕
僮仆boy servant僮僕
太仆寺旗Taibus banner in Xilin Gol league 錫林郭勒盟|锡林郭勒盟[Xīlínguōlèméng], Inner Mongolia太僕寺旗
更仆难数too many to count更僕難數
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 仆人 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 僕
In modern language, 僕 is less commonly used and often appears in historical texts or discussions about traditional roles.
It is considered a formal term, often associated with historical contexts rather than casual conversation.
No, 僕 specifically refers to a servant in a more traditional or historical sense and is not used for modern service roles.
