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络 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
络làosmall netHSK 3, v, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络làonet-likeHSK 3, v, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络làoweb, net; to entangleHSK 3, v, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络làonet-like objectHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络làoto hold sth in place with a netHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络làoto windHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络làoto twistHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络lào(TCM) channels in the human bodyHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络luòsmall netHSK 3, v, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络luònet-likeHSK 3, v, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络luòweb, net; to entangleHSK 3, v, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络luònet-like objectHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络luòto hold sth in place with a netHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络luòto windHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络luòto twistHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
络luò(TCM) channels in the human bodyHSK 3, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10724, Medium
lào(lao4)
primary
 T4
  1. 1small net
  2. 2net-like
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

络(絡)lào(lao4)

The character 络 (lào) primarily refers to something that is net-like or webbed, often used to describe the intricate networks or connections in various contexts. It can also imply entangling or twisting, making it relevant in both physical and abstract scenarios, such as in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it denotes the channels in the human body.

Strokes9Radical纟Frequency#10724DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, 络 refers to the meridian system that connects various organs and channels energy throughout the body, emphasizing the importance of balance and connection in health.

Memory Tip

Imagine a fisherman named Lao who is casting a large net into the sea, entangling all the fish. The character 络 looks like the net he is using, with its intersecting lines symbolizing the connections and entanglements within the net.

Meanings of 络

lào(lao4)
primary
1small net
2net-like
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 络

络Simplified
絡Traditional
9Strokes
纟Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#10724Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3

Podcast: 络

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Podcast: 络

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 络

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 络 with similar-sounding characters, as it can often be mispronounced. It is more common in formal contexts, particularly in literature or discussions about nature and health. Common collocations include '络绎不绝' (làoyìbùjué), meaning a continuous stream.

HSK Study Tips

This character is not currently listed in the HSK levels but is important for learners interested in advanced vocabulary. Focus on its usage in compound words and phrases, especially those related to networks and connections.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 络 with the character 逻 (luó) due to similar pronunciation; for example, saying '逻网' instead of '络网' for 'network.' It's essential to remember that 络 specifically refers to net-like structures.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 络

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Etymology of 络

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

Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 各 represents the sound. Simplified form of 絡.

Memory Hint

thread

Semantic (meaning)纟
+
Phonetic (sound)各
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 络

Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 各 represents the sound. Simplified form of 絡.

  1. 1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half各 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaythread
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

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

Want the full history of 络? 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 络?

Decomposition of 络

IDS Structure⿰纟各
络Full Character
=
纟si1
left
各ge4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 络?

How to say small net in Chinese

“small net” in Chinese is络lào

The character 络 (lào) primarily refers to something that is net-like or webbed, often used to describe the intricate networks or connections in various contexts. It can also imply entangling or twisting, making it relevant in both physical and abstract scenarios, such as in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it denotes the channels in the human body.

When to use 络

Be careful not to confuse 络 with similar-sounding characters, as it can often be mispronounced. It is more common in formal contexts, particularly in literature or discussions about nature and health. Common collocations include '络绎不绝' (làoyìbùjué), meaning a continuous stream.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 络 with the character 逻 (luó) due to similar pronunciation; for example, saying '逻网' instead of '络网' for 'network.' It's essential to remember that 络 specifically refers to net-like structures.

Write 络

络

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 络

络 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 8 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.

Related grammar lessons3
Exercise 1 of 5

Complete the Sentence

网____游戏使得全球的玩家可以相互较量。

Online gaming allows players from around the world to challenge each other.

Common Confusions with 络

络vs罗
luó

Similar pronunciation and shape but different meanings.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "small net"?

or

Example Sentences for 络 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
网络游戏使得全球的玩家可以相互较量。

wǎng luò yóu xì shǐ dé quán qiú de wán jiā kě yǐ xiāng hù jiào liáng。

Online gaming allows players from around the world to challenge each other.
2
他通过网络把作品发给了出版商。

tā tōng guò wǎng luò bǎ zuò pǐn fā gěi le chū bǎn shāng。

He sent his work to his publishers by modem.
3
他又是握手，又是拍背，像个政客一样把一屋子的人都笼络了一番。

tā yòu shì wò shǒu， ， yòu shì pāi， bèi ， xiàng gè zhèng kè yī yàng bǎ yī wū zǐ de rén dū lóng luò le。

He worked the room like a politician, gripping hands, and slapping backs.
4
我们自那以后就失去了联络。

wǒ mén zì nà yǐ hòu jiù shī qù le lián luò。

We lost touch after that.
5
这家公司是英国最大的网络葡萄酒零售商。

zhè jiā gōng sī shì yīng guó zuì dà de wǎng luò pú táo jiǔ líng shòu shāng。

This company is the biggest wine e-tailer in the UK.
6
1999年，网络公司在电视广告上投入了超过10亿美元。

1999 1999， nián ， wǎng luò gōng sī zài diàn shì guǎng gào shàng tóu rù le10 chāo guò 10。

In 1999, dot-coms spent more than $1 billion on TV spots.
7
我们唯一能够联络到的电工离这里有好几英里远。

wǒ mén wéi yī néng gòu lián luò dào de diàn gōng lí zhè lǐ yǒu hǎo jī yīng lǐ yuǎn。

The only electrician we could get hold of was miles away.
8
试着在网络论坛上浏览信息。

shì zháo zài wǎng luò lùn tán shàng liú lǎn xìn xī。

Try browsing around in the network bulletin boards.
9
不 丢失数据 的内存比硬盘的成本贵了很多,可靠的宽带网络则更加昂贵.

bù diū shī shù jù de nèi cún bǐ yìng pán de chéng běn guì le, hěn duō , kě kào de kuān dài wǎng luò zé gēng.

Nonvolatile solid - state memory is a lot more expensive than disk drives are.
10
心主手厥阴心包络之脉,起于胸中.

xīn zhǔ shǒu jué yīn xīn bāo luò zhī mài, , qǐ yú xiōng.

The Pericardium Channel of Hand Jueyin originates from the chest.

Word Family of 络

Words Containing This Character16
网络wǎngluòInternet網絡
联络liánluòto contact聯絡
络làoto wind絡
络绎不绝luòyìbùjuécontinuously; in an endless stream (idiom)絡繹不絕
经络energy channels經絡
脉络màiluòarteries and veins脈絡
联络官liaison officer聯絡官
笼络to coax籠絡
脉络膜choroid (vascular layer of the eyeball between the retina and the sclera)脈絡膜
络腮胡子full beard絡腮鬍子
热络intimate熱絡
数据网络data network數據網絡
络绎continuous絡繹
网络层network layer網絡層
网络协议network protocol網絡協議
筋络tendons and muscles筋絡
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 网络 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 络

Common phrases include 络绎不绝 (làoyìbùjué) and 络合物 (làohéwù), which means complex compounds in chemistry.

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