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幽 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
幽
yōu
remote
n, 9 strokes, radical 幺, rank #12782, Very Hard
幽
yōu
hidden away
n, 9 strokes, radical 幺, rank #12782, Very Hard
幽
yōu
secluded
n, 9 strokes, radical 幺, rank #12782, Very Hard
幽
yōu
serene
n, 9 strokes, radical 幺, rank #12782, Very Hard
幽
yōu
peaceful
n, 9 strokes, radical 幺, rank #12782, Very Hard
幽
yōu
to imprison
n, 9 strokes, radical 幺, rank #12782, Very Hard
幽
yōu
in superstition indicates the underworld
n, 9 strokes, radical 幺, rank #12782, Very Hard
幽
yōu
ancient district spanning Liaonang and Hebei provinces
n, 9 strokes, radical 幺, rank #12782, Very Hard
幽
yōu
quiet, secluded, tranquil; dark
n, 9 strokes, radical 幺, rank #12782, Very Hard
yōu(you1)you T1
1remote
2hidden away
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March 24, 2026
幽yōu(you1)
The character 幽 (yōu) conveys a sense of remoteness and seclusion, often associated with peace and tranquility. It can refer to a hidden place, an atmosphere of serenity, or even the concept of the underworld in superstitious contexts. This character is commonly used to describe quiet, secluded environments or to express feelings of imprisonment in a metaphorical sense.
Strokes9Radical幺Frequency#12782DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of the underworld is significant, especially during festivals such as the Qingming Festival when people honor their ancestors. The character 幽 connects to this cultural practice of remembering the serene and hidden aspects of life and death.
Memory tip
Imagine a quiet, hidden valley where the spirits of the underworld dwell. The character 幽 resembles a small, secluded cave (the radical '亻' suggests a person) where one might find peace away from the chaos of the outside world. By picturing this serene cave, you can remember both the meaning (remote and peaceful) and the pronunciation (yōu).
Meanings of 幽
yōu(you1)
1remote
2hidden away
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 幽
幽Simplified
9Strokes
幺Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#12782Frequency Rank
Podcast: 幽
Podcast: 幽
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AI study notes for 幽
Quick Contrast
幽 (yōu) vs 静 (jìng) — use 幽 for a sense of remote seclusion, while 静 emphasizes quietness or stillness.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 幽 with similar-sounding characters like 优 (yōu, meaning 'excellent') due to their similar pronunciation. 幽 is more formal and poetic, often found in literature and descriptions of nature, so it's best used in a literary context rather than casual conversation. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 'yōu' to avoid miscommunication.
HSK Study Tips
Since 幽 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners should focus on its context in literature and poetry. Connecting it with other HSK words related to nature and tranquility can enhance understanding. Utilize this character to enrich descriptive language when discussing serene environments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 幽 with 优 (yōu), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '这地方很优' (This place is very excellent) instead of '这地方很幽' (This place is very secluded) can convey a completely different meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 幽
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Knowing 幽 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.
The character 幽 (yōu) conveys a sense of remoteness and seclusion, often associated with peace and tranquility. It can refer to a hidden place, an atmosphere of serenity, or even the concept of the underworld in superstitious contexts. This character is commonly used to describe quiet, secluded environments or to express feelings of imprisonment in a metaphorical sense.
When to use 幽
Common mistakes include confusing 幽 with similar-sounding characters like 优 (yōu, meaning 'excellent') due to their similar pronunciation. 幽 is more formal and poetic, often found in literature and descriptions of nature, so it's best used in a literary context rather than casual conversation. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 'yōu' to avoid miscommunication.
幽 or something close to it
幽 (yōu) vs 静 (jìng) — use 幽 for a sense of remote seclusion, while 静 emphasizes quietness or stillness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 幽 with 优 (yōu), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '这地方很优' (This place is very excellent) instead of '这地方很幽' (This place is very secluded) can convey a completely different meaning.
Write 幽
幽
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Grammar patterns of 幽
幽 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 9 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.
The book is witty and peppered with good one-liners.
7
他的作品带有一种讽刺意味的幽默。
tā de zuòpǐn dàiyǒu yī zhǒng fěngcì yìwèi de yōumò。
There is a wry sense of humour in his work.
8
死去的孩子们的幽灵常在该村出没。
sǐ qù de háizi men de yōu líng cháng zài gāi cūn chū méi。
The village is haunted by the ghosts of the dead children.
9
他极富魅力而且非常有幽默感。
tā jí fù mèilì érqiě fēicháng yǒu yōumò gǎn。
He had enormous charm and a great sense of humour.
10
人有点吸引力和幽默感总是好的。
rén yǒu diǎn xīyǐn lì hé yōumò gǎn zǒngshì hǎode。
A bit of charm and humour would not go amiss.
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Cultural Notes for 幽
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the idea of the underworld is often associated with hell or punishment, whereas in Chinese culture, it is more about honoring ancestors and the peaceful aspects of death.
Word Family of 幽
Words containing this character20
幽默yōumòhumorous
幽灵yōulíngspecter幽靈
幽yōuremote
幽默感yōumògǎnsense of humor
幽幽yōuyōufaint
幽会yōuhuìtryst幽會
幽静yōujìngquiet幽靜
幽门yōuménpylorus (anatomy)幽門
幽州yōuzhōuFanyang 範陽|范阳 ancient city near modern Beijing
幽雅yōuyǎethereal (of music)
幽怨yōuyuànhidden bitterness, secret grudge
幽谷yōugǔdeep valley
幽暗yōu’àngloom
幽深yōushēnserene and hidden in depth or distance
清幽qīngyōubeautiful and secluded
幽香yōuxiāngdelicate fragrance
幽魂yōuhúnghost
幽冥yōumíngdark
幽僻yōupìsecluded
幽禁yōujìnto imprison
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 幽
What does 幽默 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 幽
幽 (yōu) emphasizes serenity and seclusion, while 隐 (yǐn) focuses more on concealment or hiding. Both characters can describe something that is not easily seen, but 幽 often conveys a peaceful or tranquil quality.
Yes, 幽 (yōu) is still used in modern Chinese, particularly in literary works or to describe peaceful environments. It might not be as common in everyday conversation, but it retains its poetic and serene connotations.
幽 (yōu) means remote, hidden away, or secluded. It can also refer to a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, it can imply the concept of imprisonment in certain contexts.
You can use 幽 (yōu) to describe a tranquil place, such as '这个地方非常幽静' (This place is very serene). It can also be used in literary contexts to evoke a sense of seclusion or mystery.
幽 can mean secluded or hidden, often referring to peaceful places or environments. It can also relate to the underworld in superstitious terms.
You might say 幽静的山谷 (yōu jìng de shān gǔ) to describe a 'quiet and secluded valley'.
It is less common in everyday conversation and is more frequently found in literary or poetic contexts.
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