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March 24, 2026
吁xū(xu1)
The character 吁 (xū) means to implore or to sigh. It is often used in expressions conveying a sense of urgency or despair, such as seeking someone’s attention or expressing a deep emotional state. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation and might appear more in literary or poetic contexts.
Strokes6Radical口Frequency#23623DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese poetry, expressions of longing and sighing are common, reflecting the cultural appreciation for emotional depth and nuance in language. 吁 captures this sentiment beautifully, making it relevant in literary discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person sighing heavily, calling out for help while raising their hands in a pleading manner. The '口' (mouth) radical at the bottom suggests speaking or calling out, while the '余' component can remind you of the sound 'xū,' as in a soft sigh.
Meanings of 吁
xū(xu1)
primary
1sh
2implore
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 吁
吁Simplified
6Strokes
口Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#23623Frequency Rank
Podcast: 吁
Podcast: 吁
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AI Study Notes for 吁
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 吁, as it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. It is more appropriate in formal or literary contexts. Learners often confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 叙 (xù), which means to narrate, leading to miscommunication.
HSK Study Tips
Although 吁 is not included in the HSK levels, it is useful for intermediate learners who are expanding their vocabulary with more expressive words. Focus on its emotional connotations and practice using it in context to enhance your fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 吁 with 吁 (yū), which has a different meaning related to calling out. An incorrect usage might be saying 吁 for a simple sigh, when 叹 (tàn) would be more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吁
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How Well Do You Know 吁?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 吁 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.
吁 = 口 + 于. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 吁
IDS Structure⿰口于
吁Full Character
=
口kou3
left
于Yu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 吁?
How to say sh in Chinese
“sh” in Chinese is吁xū
The character 吁 (xū) means to implore or to sigh. It is often used in expressions conveying a sense of urgency or despair, such as seeking someone’s attention or expressing a deep emotional state. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation and might appear more in literary or poetic contexts.
When to use 吁
Be cautious when using 吁, as it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. It is more appropriate in formal or literary contexts. Learners often confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 叙 (xù), which means to narrate, leading to miscommunication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 吁 with 吁 (yū), which has a different meaning related to calling out. An incorrect usage might be saying 吁 for a simple sigh, when 叹 (tàn) would be more appropriate.
Write 吁
吁
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Grammar Patterns of 吁
吁 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 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.
