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March 24, 2026
慾yù(yu4)
The character 慾 (yù) represents the concepts of passion, desire, lust, and appetite. It is often used in contexts related to strong emotional or physical desires, such as in romantic, material, or even culinary senses. This character conveys a sense of yearning or craving, which can be both positive and negative depending on the context.
Strokes15Radical心Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, desires are often viewed through the lens of moderation and balance, as excessive desires can lead to negative consequences. The character 慾 embodies this complexity, reflecting both the beauty and potential pitfalls of human longing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a heart (心) filled with a fiery desire (欲) that makes it beat faster. The character 慾 combines the radical for heart (心) with the components that suggest longing and need, reminding you that desires often stem from deep emotions.
Meanings of 慾
yù(yu4)
1passion, desire, lust; appetite
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About 慾
慾Simplified
15Strokes
心Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 慾
Podcast: 慾
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AI Study Notes for 慾
Quick Contrast
欲 (yù) vs 渴望 (kěwàng) — use 慾 for more intense or carnal desires, while 渴望 suggests a longing that can be less intense or more abstract.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a heart (心) filled with a fiery desire (欲) that makes it beat faster. The character 慾 combines the radical for heart (心) with the components that suggest longing and need, reminding you that desires often stem from deep emotions.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse 慾 with 欲望 (yùwàng), which means 'desire' more generally, while 慾 can imply a more intense or specific craving. This word is more often used in literary or formal contexts, so learners should be cautious about using it in casual conversation. Collocations include 慾望 (desire) and 食慾 (appetite).
HSK Study Tips
Although 慾 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be linked to other words about desires and emotions you may encounter at higher levels, such as 情感 (qínggǎn) meaning 'emotion' or 渴望 (kěwàng) meaning 'to long for.' Focus on understanding its emotional connotations and contexts.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, desires are often viewed through the lens of moderation and balance, as excessive desires can lead to negative consequences. The character 慾 embodies this complexity, reflecting both the beauty and potential pitfalls of human longing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 慾 in casual contexts where 欲望 would be more appropriate. For instance, saying 我有很多慾望 (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō yù) can sound overly formal or intense; using 欲望 instead would be more natural.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 慾
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Cultural Notes for 慾
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, desires are often viewed through the lens of moderation and balance, as excessive desires can lead to negative consequences. The character 慾 embodies this complexity, reflecting both the beauty and potential pitfalls of human longing.
