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March 24, 2026
殴(毆)Ōu(Ou1)
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.
Strokes8Radical殳Frequency#19800DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Physical confrontations are often viewed differently in Chinese culture compared to many Western contexts, where they might be more openly depicted in media. In China, discussions around violence may be more subdued, reflecting cultural values about harmony and conflict resolution.
Memory Tip
Think of 殴 as a combination of the radical for 'death' (死) and 'to strike' (打), which can help you remember that it involves hitting someone, potentially leading to harm. Imagine a scene where someone is playfully hitting a punching bag, but the bag unexpectedly collapses, leading to a 'death' of sorts for the bag. This vivid image helps connect the character with its meaning.
Meanings of 殴
Ōu(Ou1)
1to beat up
2to hit sb
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 殴
殴Simplified
毆Traditional
8Strokes
殳Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#19800Frequency Rank
Podcast: 殴
Podcast: 殴
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AI Study Notes for 殴
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 殴 as a combination of the radical for 'death' (死) and 'to strike' (打), which can help you remember that it involves hitting someone, potentially leading to harm. Imagine a scene where someone is playfully hitting a punching bag, but the bag unexpectedly collapses, leading to a 'death' of sorts for the bag. This vivid image helps connect the character with its meaning.
Usage Notes
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'.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
Physical confrontations are often viewed differently in Chinese culture compared to many Western contexts, where they might be more openly depicted in media. In China, discussions around violence may be more subdued, reflecting cultural values about harmony and conflict resolution.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 殴
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
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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1
在警察局，我被指控殴打他人。
zài jǐng chá jú， ， wǒ bèi zhǐ kòng ōu dǎ tā。
At the police station, I was charged with assault.
Leaving the relationship does not mean that the battering will stop.
5
他说警卫会无缘无故殴打他们。
tā shuō jǐng wèi huì wú yuán wú gù ōu dǎ tā mén。
The guards, he said, would punch them for no reason.
6
当时我在布里克斯顿的一家夜总会里，那里发生了一场斗殴。
dāng shí wǒ zài bù lǐ kè sī dùn de yī jiā yè zǒng huì lǐ， ， nà lǐ fā shēng le yī cháng dǒu。
I was in a nightclub in Brixton and a fight broke out.
7
他们因殴斗滋事被判决为社区义务服务。
tā mén yīn ōu dǒu zī shì bèi pàn jué wéi shè qū yì wù fú wù。
They were convicted of affray and received community service sentences.
8
殴打比自己弱的人是一种残忍的表现.
ōu dǎ bǐ zì jǐ ruò de rén shì yī zhǒng cán rěn de biǎo xiàn.
To hit a weaker person is a sign of cruelty.
Cultural Notes for 殴
🏮Cultural insight
Physical confrontations are often viewed differently in Chinese culture compared to many Western contexts, where they might be more openly depicted in media. In China, discussions around violence may be more subdued, reflecting cultural values about harmony and conflict resolution.
Word Family of 殴
Words Containing This Character4
殴打ōudǎto beat up毆打
斗殴to fight鬥毆
殴Ōuto beat up毆
殴斗brawl毆鬥
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
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.
Yes, in some contexts it can mean playful hitting, but be careful with the tone and situation.
Common phrases include 殴打 (ōudǎ) for 'to beat up' and 互相殴打 (hùxiāng ōudǎ) meaning 'to hit each other'.
