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March 24, 2026
御yù(yu4)
The character 御 (yù) primarily means 'to govern' or 'to manage,' but it also carries the sense of 'to resist' or 'to defend.' It is often used in historical or classical contexts, particularly related to imperial authority, such as managing a kingdom or riding a chariot. Additionally, it can imply control over something or someone.
Strokes12Radical彳Frequency#13199DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese culture, the emperor was seen as the ultimate authority, with 御 embodying the concept of ruling and management. This character often appears in historical texts and discussions about governance, reflecting the importance of centralized power in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a majestic emperor (御) riding a chariot, proudly managing his kingdom while resisting any threats. The character has a roof (宀) on top, symbolizing authority, while the lower part suggests movement. Picture the emperor driving his chariot under the protection of his roof.
Meanings of 御
yù(yu4)
1to resist
2imperial
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 御
御Simplified
12Strokes
彳Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#13199Frequency Rank
Podcast: 御
Podcast: 御
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AI Study Notes for 御
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 御 with similar-sounding characters like 余 (yú), which means 'others.' In formal contexts, 御 is typically associated with governance or imperial matters, while in informal speech, it may not be as common. Pay attention to the tone; a mispronunciation could lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 御 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to themes of authority and management found in HSK levels 4 and 5. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in literature or historical texts, as well as in phrases like '御驾' (yù jià), meaning 'imperial carriage.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly write 御 as 余, which has a completely different meaning. Remember that 御 relates to governance and authority, while 余 refers to 'others.' Another common error is mispronouncing the tone, which can change the meaning altogether.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 御
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How Well Do You Know 御?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 御 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.
御 = 彳 + 卸. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 御
IDS Structure⿰彳卸
御Full Character
=
彳chi4
left
卸xie4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 御?
How to say to resist in Chinese
“to resist” in Chinese is御yù
The character 御 (yù) primarily means 'to govern' or 'to manage,' but it also carries the sense of 'to resist' or 'to defend.' It is often used in historical or classical contexts, particularly related to imperial authority, such as managing a kingdom or riding a chariot. Additionally, it can imply control over something or someone.
When to use 御
Learners often confuse 御 with similar-sounding characters like 余 (yú), which means 'others.' In formal contexts, 御 is typically associated with governance or imperial matters, while in informal speech, it may not be as common. Pay attention to the tone; a mispronunciation could lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly write 御 as 余, which has a completely different meaning. Remember that 御 relates to governance and authority, while 余 refers to 'others.' Another common error is mispronouncing the tone, which can change the meaning altogether.
Write 御
御
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Practice writing 御 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 御
御 carries 7 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我走出门，竖起衣领抵____冷雾。
I stepped outside and pulled up my collar against the cold mist.
Example Sentences for 御 (9)
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1
我走出门，竖起衣领抵御冷雾。
wǒ zǒu chū mén， ， shù qǐ yī lǐng dǐ yù lěng。
I stepped outside and pulled up my collar against the cold mist.
There was no dependable defense against a modern tank or plane.
9
甚至我们防御战的战绩亦充满着悲惨的失败.
shèn zhì wǒ mén fáng yù zhàn de zhàn jì yì chōng mǎn zháo bēi cǎn de shī bài.
Even our defensive record was tragically draped in defeats.
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Word Family of 御
Words Containing This Character19
防御fángyùdefense防禦
御yùto resist
抵御dǐyùto resist抵禦
御用imperial
御医imperial physician御醫
御寒to keep warm禦寒
御史imperial censor (formal title of a dynastic official)
驾御to drive駕御
防御性defensive (weapons)防禦性
防御工事fortification防禦工事
统御control統御
御敌enemy of the Emperor禦敵
守御to defend守禦
御驾亲征the emperor leads his troops into battle (idiom)御駕親征
御酒imperial wine
御手the emperor's hand
御宝imperial seal御寶
防御率earned run average (baseball)防禦率
御夫座Auriga (constellation)禦夫座
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 御
What does 防御 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 御
While it is less common in everyday conversation, 御 appears in formal or historical contexts and is still relevant in discussions about governance.
Common phrases include '御驾' (yù jià - imperial carriage) and '御膳房' (yù shàn fáng - imperial kitchen), reflecting its association with imperial authority.
The correct pronunciation is 'yù' with a falling tone. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters.
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