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牖 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
牖yǒuwindow; to enlightenzg, 15 strokes, radical 片
牖yǒulattice windowunknown, 15 strokes, radical 片
yǒu(you3) T3
  1. 1window; to enlighten
  2. 2lattice window
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

牖yǒu(you3)

The character 牖 (yǒu) primarily means 'window' and can also refer to a lattice window. It signifies an opening that allows light and air to enter a space, symbolizing enlightenment and clarity. In a broader sense, it can also imply gaining insight or understanding.

Strokes15Radical片
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, windows often feature intricate designs that symbolize harmony and beauty, reflecting the importance of natural light in daily life. The concept of enlightenment ties closely to Confucian ideals of knowledge and clarity.

Memory Tip

Imagine a window (牖) that not only lets in light but also represents enlightenment. The left component '牛' (niú) resembles a cow, which is known for being calm and steady, reminding you to keep the mind clear and open—like a window letting in fresh air.

Meanings of 牖

yǒu(you3)
1window; to enlighten
2lattice window
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 牖

牖Simplified
15Strokes
片Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 牖

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Podcast: 牖

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AI Study Notes for 牖

Usage Notes

牖 is a more formal term for 'window' and is often used in literary or architectural contexts rather than in everyday conversation. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with 窗 (chuāng), which is more casual. Be mindful of using the correct context.

HSK Study Tips

Although 牖 is not part of HSK levels, understanding this character can enhance vocabulary related to architecture and settings. Focus on its components and how it relates to other characters involving openings and enlightenment.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 牖 with 窗 (chuāng), using them interchangeably. Remember, 牖 is more formal and specific to certain contexts, while 窗 is the general term for 'window' in everyday language.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 牖

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Etymology of 牖

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

door

Semantic (meaning)户
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 牖

  1. 1The meaning half户 carries the sense.
  2. 2The giveawaydoor
  3. 3On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 牖? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 牖?

Decomposition of 牖

IDS Structure⿰片⿸户甫
牖Full Character
=
片pian1
left
户hu4
enclosing
甫fu3
inner
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 牖?

How to say window; to enlighten in Chinese

“window; to enlighten” in Chinese is牖yǒu

The character 牖 (yǒu) primarily means 'window' and can also refer to a lattice window. It signifies an opening that allows light and air to enter a space, symbolizing enlightenment and clarity. In a broader sense, it can also imply gaining insight or understanding.

When to use 牖

牖 is a more formal term for 'window' and is often used in literary or architectural contexts rather than in everyday conversation. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with 窗 (chuāng), which is more casual. Be mindful of using the correct context.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 牖 with 窗 (chuāng), using them interchangeably. Remember, 牖 is more formal and specific to certain contexts, while 窗 is the general term for 'window' in everyday language.

Write 牖

牖

Practice writing 牖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 牖

Words Containing This Character1
牖yǒuto enlighten
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 牖 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 牖

No, it is more commonly found in literature or formal writing.

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