Meanings of 奴
By ear
Play it, then pick what 奴 means.
About 奴
Podcast: 奴
Podcast: 奴
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 奴
奴 (nú) vs 仆 (pú) — use 奴 (nú) when referring to a slave or someone in servitude with a connotation of lack of autonomy, while 仆 (pú) is more neutral, referring to a servant or attendant.
This term is generally considered formal and can be sensitive, so use it cautiously. It often appears in phrases like '奴隶' (núlì), meaning 'slave,' which is more common in discussions about history or literature. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.
Although 奴 is not part of current HSK levels, it connects with other words like 奴隶 (núlì) and serves as a good example of how characters can combine to form more complex meanings. Focus on recognizing the character in historical texts or discussions about social issues.
Learners often confuse 奴 with similar terms like 仆 or 佣 (yōng), which refer to different kinds of servants. Always clarify the context to avoid misinterpretation; for example, using 奴 in a casual conversation may come off as disrespectful.
Pronunciation of 奴
Drill the tone of 奴, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 奴 to you
Let me explain 奴 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 奴 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 奴?
Learning Lab
Knowing 奴 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 奴
Depicts a hand behind a woman slave's back forcing her to work.
A woman 女 standing by her master's right hand 又; 女 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
What kind of character is 奴?
Decomposition of 奴
Parts
Which of these is part of 奴?
How to say slave in Chinese
“slave” in Chinese is奴
The character 奴 (nú) primarily means 'slave' or 'servant.' It is often used in historical contexts to refer to individuals in servitude, but it can also imply a lack of autonomy. In modern usage, it can carry negative connotations depending on the context, especially when discussing freedom and rights.
When to use 奴
This term is generally considered formal and can be sensitive, so use it cautiously. It often appears in phrases like '奴隶' (núlì), meaning 'slave,' which is more common in discussions about history or literature. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.
奴 or something close to it
奴 (nú) vs 仆 (pú) — use 奴 (nú) when referring to a slave or someone in servitude with a connotation of lack of autonomy, while 仆 (pú) is more neutral, referring to a servant or attendant.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 奴 with similar terms like 仆 or 佣 (yōng), which refer to different kinds of servants. Always clarify the context to avoid misinterpretation; for example, using 奴 in a casual conversation may come off as disrespectful.
Write 奴
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 奴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 奴
奴 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 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他们呼吁当局将蓄____定为一种应该受到惩罚的罪行。
They called on the authorities to make slavery a punishable offence.
Common confusions with 奴
Similar shape but different meaning; 女 means female.
Which one
Which one means “slave”?
Example sentences for 奴 (3)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 奴?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 奴
Characters with 奴
What does 努 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 奴
Yes, while it's less common in everyday conversation, it may still appear in literature or discussions about historical topics.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 奴?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.