unknown, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #28704, Very Hard
yú(yu2) T2
1elm tree
2elm
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March 24, 2026
榆yú(yu2)
榆 (yú) refers to the elm tree, a type of deciduous tree commonly found in temperate regions. In Chinese culture, elm trees are often associated with resilience and longevity, making them a symbol of strength in nature. They are also significant in traditional medicine and landscaping.
Strokes13Radical木Frequency#28704DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the elm tree is often planted near homes for its protective qualities and to symbolize stability. This reflects the cultural value placed on nature as a source of strength and harmony.
Memory Tip
Imagine an elm tree with its strong, broad branches reaching towards the sky. The character 榆 looks like a tree (木) with a 'U' shape (亾) on top, which can remind you of the tree's expansive canopy. Picture yourself sitting under this tree, enjoying its shade, to remember both the form and sound of 'yú'.
Meanings of 榆
yú(yu2)
1elm tree
2elm
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 榆
榆Simplified
13Strokes
木Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 榆
Podcast: 榆
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AI Study Notes for 榆
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine an elm tree with its strong, broad branches reaching towards the sky. The character 榆 looks like a tree (木) with a 'U' shape (亾) on top, which can remind you of the tree's expansive canopy. Picture yourself sitting under this tree, enjoying its shade, to remember both the form and sound of 'yú'.
Usage Notes
榆 is mainly used in botanical contexts or discussions about trees. It is important to note that it is less common in everyday conversation, so using it in more formal or academic settings is advisable. Be careful with the tone; 'yú' is the second tone, which can be mistaken for other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 榆 is not a standard HSK word, it can be relevant for learners at HSK 3 and above when studying nature or discussing plants. Students should focus on recognizing how it fits into more complex sentences about the environment and nature-related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the elm tree is often planted near homes for its protective qualities and to symbolize stability. This reflects the cultural value placed on nature as a source of strength and harmony.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 榆 with other tree-related characters due to similar components. For example, confusing 榆 (elm) with 杨 (poplar) is common; remember that 榆 specifically refers to the elm tree.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 榆
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Grammar Patterns of 榆
榆 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这也是张很不错的桌子，____木的，很结实。
It was a good table too, sturdily constructed of elm.
Example Sentences for 榆 (6)
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1
这也是张很不错的桌子，榆木的，很结实。
zhè yě shì zhāng hěn bù cuò de zhuō zǐ， ， yú mù， de ， hěn。
It was a good table too, sturdily constructed of elm.
2
我在一棵快要枯死的榆树的树洞里安了家。
wǒ zài yī kē kuài yào kū sǐ de yú shù de shù dòng lǐ ān le jiā。
I made my home there, in the hollow of a dying elm.
3
失之东偶,收之桑榆.
shī zhī dōng ǒu, , shōu zhī sāng.
Whatlose in the hundred will be found in the shire.
4
失鳕得鲱;失之东隅,收之桑榆.
shī xuě dé fēi; ; shī zhī dōng, yú , shōu zhī.
What we lose in hake we shall have in herring.
5
兰州蕨菜的主要产地在榆中南山的二阴地区.
lán zhōu jué cài de zhǔ yào chǎn dì zài yú zhōng nán shān de èr yīn dì qū.
Lanzhou fern in the main origin of the Yuzhong Nanshan Yam area.
On a sheep - cropped knou under a clump of elms we ate the strawberries.
Cultural Notes for 榆
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the elm tree is often planted near homes for its protective qualities and to symbolize stability. This reflects the cultural value placed on nature as a source of strength and harmony.
Word Family of 榆
Words Containing This Character19
榆树Yushu county level city in Changchun 長春|长春, Jilin榆樹
榆yúelm
榆林Yulin prefecture level city in Shaanxi
榆林市Yulin prefecture level city in Shaanxi
榆次Yuci district of Jinzhong city 晉中市|晋中市[Jìnzhōngshì], Shanxi
榆中县Yuzhong county in Lanzhou 蘭州|兰州[Lánzhōu], Gansu榆中縣
榆中Yuzhong county in Lanzhou 蘭州|兰州[Lánzhōu], Gansu
榆树市Yushu county level city in Changchun 長春|长春, Jilin榆樹市
赣榆县Ganyu county in Lianyungang 連雲港|连云港[Liányúngǎng], Jiangsu贛榆縣
收之桑榆to lose at sunrise but gain at sunset (idiom)
赣榆Ganyu county in Lianyungang 連雲港|连云港[Liányúngǎng], Jiangsu贛榆
榆社Yushe county in Jinzhong 晉中|晋中[Jìnzhōng], Shanxi
榆次区Yuci district of Jinzhong city 晉中市|晋中市[Jìnzhōngshì], Shanxi榆次區
榆林地区Yulin prefecture, Shaanxi榆林地區
榆社县Yushe county in Jinzhong 晉中|晋中[Jìnzhōng], Shanxi榆社縣
榆阳区Yuyang District of Yulin City 榆林市[YúlínShì], Shaanxi榆陽區
通榆Tongyu county in Baicheng 白城, Jilin
通榆县Tongyu county in Baicheng 白城, Jilin通榆縣
榆阳Yuyang District of Yulin City 榆林市[YúlínShì], Shaanxi榆陽
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 榆树 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 榆
榆 is pronounced as 'yú' with the second tone.
There are not many idioms that specifically use 榆, but it can be found in discussions about nature or traditional medicine.
You can visualize the strong elm tree when you see the character, connecting it to the sound 'yú'.
