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March 24, 2026
欧(歐)Ōu(Ou1)
The character 欧 (Ōu) primarily refers to Europe and is often seen in the context of geographical discussions or when referring to European culture. It serves as an abbreviation for 欧洲 (Ōu zhōu), which is the full term for Europe in Mandarin. It can also be a surname and is used in transliteration for certain foreign names.
Strokes8Radical欠Frequency#2839DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, Europe is often associated with modernity, fashion, and history, making 欧 a significant character when discussing cultural exchanges and influences.
Memory Tip
Imagine the letter 'O' for '欧' standing for 'Oh!' as in the expression of realization when you think of Europe. The 'u' can remind you of 'you' traveling to Europe, visualizing a journey across the continent.
Meanings of 欧
Ōu(Ou1)
1Europe
2(used for transliteration)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 欧 means.
About 欧
欧Simplified
歐Traditional
8Strokes
欠Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#2839Frequency Rank
Podcast: 欧
Podcast: 欧
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AI Study Notes for 欧
Usage Notes
Learners should be careful not to confuse 欧 with similar characters. It is generally used in a formal context when discussing geography or culture. Common collocations include 欧洲 (Ōu zhōu) and 欧盟 (Ōu méng), meaning European Union. Pay attention to the pronunciation, particularly the first tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 欧 is not a part of the official HSK levels, it connects with other geography-related vocabulary. Students should focus on how to use it in context, especially with terms related to countries or regions in Europe.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 欧 with other similar characters like 俄 (É), which means Russia. A common mistake is to say 欧洲 instead of 欧洲; the correct term is 欧洲 (Ōu zhōu).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 欧
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Learning Lab
Knowing 欧 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 欧 (Ōu) primarily refers to Europe and is often seen in the context of geographical discussions or when referring to European culture. It serves as an abbreviation for 欧洲 (Ōu zhōu), which is the full term for Europe in Mandarin. It can also be a surname and is used in transliteration for certain foreign names.
When to use 欧
Learners should be careful not to confuse 欧 with similar characters. It is generally used in a formal context when discussing geography or culture. Common collocations include 欧洲 (Ōu zhōu) and 欧盟 (Ōu méng), meaning European Union. Pay attention to the pronunciation, particularly the first tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 欧 with other similar characters like 俄 (É), which means Russia. A common mistake is to say 欧洲 instead of 欧洲; the correct term is 欧洲 (Ōu zhōu).
Write 欧
欧
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Grammar Patterns of 欧
欧 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 7 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____先生是我的数学老师。
Mr. Ou is my math teacher.
Common Confusions with 欧
欧vs饿
è
Different meanings and tones; '饿' is pronounced with a falling tone.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “surname Ou”?
or
Example Sentences for 欧 (16)
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nssurname Ou4
1
欧先生是我的数学老师。
Ōu xiānsheng shì wǒ de shùxué lǎoshī.
Mr. Ou is my math teacher.
2
欧小姐喜欢喝咖啡。
Ōu xiǎojiě xǐhuan hē kāfēi.
Miss Ou likes to drink coffee.
3
欧家住在学校附近。
Ōu jiā zhù zài xuéxiào fùjìn.
The Ou family lives near the school.
4
欧老师今天不在学校。
Ōu lǎoshī jīntiān bú zài xuéxiào.
Teacher Ou is not at school today.
nsEurope12
5
西班牙的当务之急是签署《欧洲经济和货币联盟条约》。
xī bān yá de dāng wù zhī jí shì qiān shǔ《 《 ōu zhōu jīng jì hé huò bì lián méng tiáo》。
Spain's top priority is the signing of an EMU treaty.
6
卡斯帕对欧洲农业状况发表了一番颇有见地的见解。
kǎ sī pà duì ōu zhōu nóng yè zhuàng kuàng fā biǎo le yī fān pō yǒu jiàn dì de jiàn jiě。
Kaspar had spoken know-ledgeably about the state of agriculture in Europe.
7
这是全欧洲面临的问题，而不是英国独有的问题。
zhè shì quán ōu zhōu miàn lín de wèn tí， ， ér bù shì yīng guó dú yǒu de wèn。
This is a European, and not a specifically British, problem.
8
欧芹可能是用得最多的一种药草。
ōu qín kě néng shì yòng dé zuì duō de yī zhǒng yào cǎo。
Parsley is probably the most commonly used of all herbs.
9
英格兰队今晚为欧洲足球做了一次糟糕的宣传。
yīng gé lán duì jīn wǎn wéi ōu zhōu zú qiú zuò le yī cì zāo gāo de xuān chuán。
The England team were a poor advertisement for European football tonight.
10
他是欧洲最重要的通缉犯之一。
tā shì ōu zhōu zuì zhòng yào de tōng jī fàn zhī yī。
Yes, 欧 (Ōu) is a surname in China, although it is not among the most common ones. It may be found more frequently among certain regions or families. Understanding surnames can provide insights into Chinese culture and heritage.
You can use 欧 (Ōu) in sentences like '我想去欧洲旅行' (Wǒ xiǎng qù Ōu zhōu lǚxíng), which means 'I want to travel to Europe.' This character is commonly used when referring to European countries or cultures. Incorporating it into your vocabulary can enhance your discussions about international topics.
欧 (Ōu) refers to Europe in Chinese and is an abbreviation for 欧洲 (Ōu zhōu), which directly translates to 'Europe.' It can also be used as a surname in Chinese culture. Understanding this character is useful for discussing geography or travel in relation to Europe.
欧 means Europe and is used in various contexts related to the continent.
Yes, it is often used in the phrase 欧洲 (Ōu zhōu) which means Europe.
Yes, 欧 is also a surname in Chinese.
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