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March 24, 2026
斿yóu(you2)
The character 斿 (yóu) primarily means 'to swim' or 'to move freely.' It can also refer to the scallops or decorative edges found on the lower part of a flag. This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it can appear in literary or artistic contexts.
Strokes9Radical方Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese art and literature, the imagery of swimming often symbolizes freedom and the pursuit of one's aspirations, reflecting a valued cultural theme of harmony with nature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fish swimming freely in the water, moving effortlessly like the flowing lines of the character 斿. The left part resembles a wave, symbolizing movement, while the right part can remind you of the flowing motion of swimming.
Meanings of 斿
yóu(you2)
1to swim; to move freely
2scallops along lower edge of flag
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 斿
斿Simplified
9Strokes
方Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 斿
Podcast: 斿
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AI Study Notes for 斿
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fish swimming freely in the water, moving effortlessly like the flowing lines of the character 斿. The left part resembles a wave, symbolizing movement, while the right part can remind you of the flowing motion of swimming.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 斿 with similar-sounding words. It is more formal and less frequently used in casual conversation. Pay attention to the context in which it appears, often related to literary or artistic descriptions, and avoid using it in everyday dialogues.
HSK Study Tips
Although this character is not part of the HSK curriculum, its components can help students recognize patterns in other characters. Focus on understanding its radicals and how they relate to movement and fluidity, which can connect to other HSK Level 3-4 vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese art and literature, the imagery of swimming often symbolizes freedom and the pursuit of one's aspirations, reflecting a valued cultural theme of harmony with nature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 斿 interchangeably with 游 (yóu), which is incorrect as 游 is the standard term for 'to swim.' Always choose 游 for general usage, as 斿 is more specialized.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 斿
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Cultural Notes for 斿
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese art and literature, the imagery of swimming often symbolizes freedom and the pursuit of one's aspirations, reflecting a valued cultural theme of harmony with nature.
Word Family of 斿
Words Containing This Character1
斿yóuscallops along lower edge of flag
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 斿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 斿
It's not commonly used in everyday conversation, so you might not hear it often outside of literary contexts.
You can connect the sound 'yóu' to 'you,' imagining yourself swimming freely in the water.
Yes, the character 游 (yóu) also means 'to swim' and is much more commonly used.