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March 24, 2026
喻yù(Yu4)
The character '喻' (yù) primarily denotes the act of conveying a meaning through analogy or metaphor. It is often used in literary contexts to describe something in a way that highlights similarities with another subject, enhancing understanding or illustrating a point. Additionally, it can serve as a surname, 'Yu' (俞).
Strokes12Radical口Frequency#15044DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the use of metaphors and analogies is deeply rooted, with many classical texts employing '喻' to convey wisdom and moral lessons, such as in the works of Confucius and Laozi where complex philosophies are distilled into relatable imagery.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old sage (the sound 'yù') using a storytelling technique (the character's form) that involves speaking (the radical '口' for mouth) to explain complex ideas through simple analogies. Picture him saying, 'Like a river flows, so do our thoughts,' making the connection between speaking and understanding.
Meanings of 喻
yù(Yu4)
1to describe sth as
2an analogy
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 喻
喻Simplified
12Strokes
口Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#15044Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 喻
Podcast: 喻
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AI Study Notes for 喻
Quick Contrast
喻 (yù) vs 比喻 (bǐyù) — use 喻 when referring to the act of conveying meaning through analogy, while 比喻 specifically refers to the analogy or metaphor itself.
Usage Notes
'喻' is typically used in formal and literary contexts, so it may not be appropriate for casual conversation. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters; ensure to practice the pronunciation to avoid this. It often collocates with words like '比喻' (bǐyù, analogy) and '寓意' (yùyì, implied meaning).
HSK Study Tips
Although '喻' is not explicitly listed in the HSK levels, it connects with advanced vocabulary related to figurative language. Students should focus on its usage in idioms and expressions, enhancing their understanding of literary techniques in Chinese.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use '喻' in everyday conversation where simpler terms would suffice, like trying to say 'like' in a casual context. Instead, use '像' (xiàng) for informal comparisons.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 喻
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How Well Do You Know 喻?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 喻 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.
喻 = 口 + 俞. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 喻
IDS Structure⿰口俞
喻Full Character
=
口kou3
left
俞shu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 喻?
How to say surname Yu in Chinese
“surname Yu” in Chinese is喻yù
The character '喻' (yù) primarily denotes the act of conveying a meaning through analogy or metaphor. It is often used in literary contexts to describe something in a way that highlights similarities with another subject, enhancing understanding or illustrating a point. Additionally, it can serve as a surname, 'Yu' (俞).
When to use 喻
'喻' is typically used in formal and literary contexts, so it may not be appropriate for casual conversation. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters; ensure to practice the pronunciation to avoid this. It often collocates with words like '比喻' (bǐyù, analogy) and '寓意' (yùyì, implied meaning).
喻 or something close to it
喻 (yù) vs 比喻 (bǐyù) — use 喻 when referring to the act of conveying meaning through analogy, while 比喻 specifically refers to the analogy or metaphor itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use '喻' in everyday conversation where simpler terms would suffice, like trying to say 'like' in a casual context. Instead, use '像' (xiàng) for informal comparisons.
Write 喻
喻
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Grammar Patterns of 喻
喻 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 7 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.
