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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 俞 represents the sound.
1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
2The sound half俞 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymouth
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 喻? 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 喻?
Decomposition of 喻
IDS Structure⿰口俞
喻Full Character
=
口kou3
left
俞shu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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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Practice writing 喻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
