Meanings of 殴
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About 殴
Podcast: 殴
Podcast: 殴
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AI Study Notes for 殴
打 (dǎ, to hit) - use 殴 (ōu) for more severe or aggressive connotations, while 打 (dǎ) can imply a broader range of hitting actions, including playful or non-violent contexts.
Be cautious with the context in which you use 殴, as it can imply serious violence. It's more appropriate in informal situations or when discussing conflicts rather than in formal settings. Common collocations include 殴打 (ōudǎ), meaning 'to beat up' or 'to assault'.
Though 殴 is not included in the official HSK levels, its meaning is relevant for learners at higher levels who are discussing conflicts or violence. Students should focus on the different contexts where this verb can be used, as well as its collocations to expand their vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 殴 with similar characters like 打 (dǎ), which is more general for 'hit'. A common mistake is saying '我殴他' (wǒ ōu tā) in a non-violent context, which can lead to misunderstandings; instead, use 打 (dǎ) for lighter or non-violent contexts.
Pronunciation of 殴
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Jason Explains 殴 to You
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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.
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Etymology of 殴
Phonosemantic compound. 殳 represents the meaning and 区 represents the sound. Simplified form of 毆.
weapon
Origin
殴 = 殳 + 区. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 殴
Parts
Which of these is part of 殴?
How to say to beat up in Chinese
“to beat up” in Chinese is殴
The character 殴 (ōu) primarily means 'to hit' or 'to beat up,' often referring to physical violence involving fists. It is commonly used in contexts related to fighting or assault, and can indicate both intentional harm and playful hitting, depending on the context. The character can also be a surname, although this usage is less frequent.
When to use 殴
Be cautious with the context in which you use 殴, as it can imply serious violence. It's more appropriate in informal situations or when discussing conflicts rather than in formal settings. Common collocations include 殴打 (ōudǎ), meaning 'to beat up' or 'to assault'.
殴 or something close to it
打 (dǎ, to hit) - use 殴 (ōu) for more severe or aggressive connotations, while 打 (dǎ) can imply a broader range of hitting actions, including playful or non-violent contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 殴 with similar characters like 打 (dǎ), which is more general for 'hit'. A common mistake is saying '我殴他' (wǒ ōu tā) in a non-violent context, which can lead to misunderstandings; instead, use 打 (dǎ) for lighter or non-violent contexts.
Write 殴
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Practice writing 殴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 殴
殴 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在警察局，我被指控____打他人。
At the police station, I was charged with assault.
Example Sentences for 殴 (8)
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Word Family of 殴
Words with 殴
What does 殴打 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 殴
No, 殴 is primarily used in informal contexts and is associated with violence or physical confrontation.
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