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March 24, 2026
吳wú(wu2)
The character 吳 (wú) primarily refers to an ancient Chinese state during the Warring States period. It is also a common Chinese surname, representing a lineage that has historical significance in Chinese culture and literature.
Strokes7Radical口Frequency#31723DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The state of Wu was known for its maritime prowess and is often associated with the legendary figure Sun Tzu, the author of 'The Art of War,' which has influenced both military strategy and business practices in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a warrior named Wu from the state of Wu, known for his cunning and strategies in battles. The character 吳 looks like a person (口) inside a boundary (吴), symbolizing the state's borders where warriors gathered.
Meanings of 吳
wú(wu2)
1one of several warring states; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 吳
吳Simplified
7Strokes
口Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 吳
Podcast: 吳
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AI Study Notes for 吳
Usage Notes
When using 吳 as a surname, it is important to note that it is often followed by the person's given name. Common mistakes include mispronouncing it as 'wu' with the wrong tone; the correct pronunciation is 'wú' with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 吳 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial to connect it with other historical terms and surnames you may encounter. Focus on recognizing it in historical texts or discussions related to the Warring States period.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 吳 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 吴 (wù), which has a different tone and meaning. Ensure you practice the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吳
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Simplified form of 吳. Pictograph of a person (大) standing up, yelling with an open mouth (口).
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 吳? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 吳?
Decomposition of 吳
IDS Structure⿱口⿻？大
吳Full Character
=
口kou3
top
大da4
outer
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 吳?
How to say one of several warring states; surname in Chinese
“one of several warring states; surname” in Chinese is吳wú
The character 吳 (wú) primarily refers to an ancient Chinese state during the Warring States period. It is also a common Chinese surname, representing a lineage that has historical significance in Chinese culture and literature.
When to use 吳
When using 吳 as a surname, it is important to note that it is often followed by the person's given name. Common mistakes include mispronouncing it as 'wu' with the wrong tone; the correct pronunciation is 'wú' with a rising tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 吳 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 吴 (wù), which has a different tone and meaning. Ensure you practice the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.
Write 吳
吳
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Practice writing 吳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Word Family of 吳
Words Containing This Character12
吴wúsurname Wu吳
吴邦国Wu Bangguo (1941-), PRC electrical engineer and politician, polituro member from 2002吳邦國
吴仪Wu Yi (1938-), one of four vice-premiers of the PRC State Council吳儀
吴镇宇Francis Ng Chun-Yu (1961-), Hong Kong actor吳鎮宇
东吴Eastern Wu (222-280)東吳
吴三桂Wu Sangui (1612-1678), Chinese general who let the Manchus into China and helped them establish the Qing Dynasty, later leading a revolt against Qing in an effort to start his own dynasty吳三桂
吴国Wu state (in south China, in different historical periods)吳國
吴官正Wu Guanzheng (1938-), former CPC Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection吳官正
吴越proverbially perpetual arch-enemies吳越
吴江Wujiang county level city in Suzhou 蘇州|苏州[Sūzhōu], Jiangsu吳江
吴晗Wu Han (1909-1969), historian, author of biography of Zhu Yuanzhang 朱元璋, hounded to his death together with several members of his family during the cultural revolution吳晗
吴起Wu Qi (440-381 BC), military leader and politician of the Warring States Period (475-220 BC), author of Wuzi 吳子|吴子[Wúzǐ], one of the Seven Military Classics of ancient China 武經七書|武经七书[WǔjīngQīshū]吳起
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 吴 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 吳
吳 refers to an ancient state in the Warring States period and is also a common surname in Chinese culture.
It is pronounced as 'wú' with a rising tone, which is crucial for its correct identification.
Yes, it is a common surname used by many people in modern China.
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