Meanings of 虏
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 虏
Podcast: 虏
Podcast: 虏
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 虏
俘 (fú) - use 俘 when specifically referring to a captured enemy soldier, while 虏 has a broader meaning including general captives.
Be aware that 虏 is often used in formal contexts, particularly in historical or literary references. Common collocations include 虏获 (lǔhuò, to capture) and 战俘 (zhànfú, war prisoner). A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; ensure you grasp the context properly to avoid miscommunication.
Although 虏 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to HSK Level 4 topics such as war and conflict. Students should focus on the context in which it appears, especially in historical texts, to better understand its usage.
Learners often confuse 虏 with similar characters like 录 (lù, to record) due to pronunciation. It's vital to pay attention to the context and the characters' components to avoid this mix-up.
Pronunciation of 虏
Drill the tone of 虏 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 虏
Simplified form of 虜. Phonosemantic compound. 男 represents the meaning and 虍 represents the sound.
strength
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 虏
Simplified form of 虜. Phonosemantic compound. 男 represents the meaning and 虍 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half力 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half虍 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaystrength
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 虏? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 虏?
Decomposition of 虏
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 虏?
How to say prisoner of war in Chinese
“prisoner of war” in Chinese is虏
The character 虏 (lǔ) primarily means 'prisoner of war' or 'to capture.' It is commonly used in historical contexts relating to warfare and the treatment of captives. Additionally, it can imply the act of imprisoning or seizing someone, often with a connotation of authority or aggression.
When to use 虏
Be aware that 虏 is often used in formal contexts, particularly in historical or literary references. Common collocations include 虏获 (lǔhuò, to capture) and 战俘 (zhànfú, war prisoner). A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; ensure you grasp the context properly to avoid miscommunication.
虏 or something close to it
俘 (fú) - use 俘 when specifically referring to a captured enemy soldier, while 虏 has a broader meaning including general captives.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 虏 with similar characters like 录 (lù, to record) due to pronunciation. It's vital to pay attention to the context and the characters' components to avoid this mix-up.
Write 虏
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 虏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 虏
虏 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 6 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.
Complete the Sentence
他的士兵袭击了瓜扎坦，擒获了一名俘____。
His men made a sortie to Guazatan and took a prisoner.
Example Sentences for 虏 (3)
Word Family of 虏
Compound Meaning
What does 掳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 虏
In modern usage, 虏 can still refer to prisoners, especially in historical or literary discussions, but it is less commonly used in everyday language.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 虏?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.