unknown, 24 strokes, radical 虫, rank #53637, Very Hard
dù(du4) T4
1moth, bookworm; moth-eaten, worm-eaten
2insect that eats into books, clothing etc
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March 24, 2026
蠹dù(du4)
The character 蠹 (dù) refers to insects, particularly those that damage materials such as books or clothing, like bookworms or moths. It is often used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that is deteriorating or becoming less valuable due to neglect or damage.
Strokes24Radical虫Frequency#53637DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, 蠹 is often used to symbolize decay or the loss of value, reflecting the importance of preserving knowledge and materials. This connects to the cultural reverence for books and education in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pesky moth (蠹) munching on your favorite book. The character has the 'insect' radical 虫 at the bottom, which signifies it relates to bugs. The pronunciation 'dù' rhymes with 'do', as in 'do keep your books safe from moths!'
Meanings of 蠹
dù(du4)
1moth, bookworm; moth-eaten, worm-eaten
2insect that eats into books, clothing etc
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 蠹
蠹Simplified
24Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蠹
Podcast: 蠹
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AI Study Notes for 蠹
Quick Contrast
蛀 (zhù) - use 蠹 (dù) when referring specifically to insects that damage materials, whereas 蛀 (zhù) can refer to the act of boring or tunneling, often used in a broader context.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pesky moth (蠹) munching on your favorite book. The character has the 'insect' radical 虫 at the bottom, which signifies it relates to bugs. The pronunciation 'dù' rhymes with 'do', as in 'do keep your books safe from moths!'
Usage Notes
蠹 is typically used in more formal or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with other insect-related terms, and remember that it often carries a negative connotation of degradation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蠹 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding its components can help learners link it to other characters related to insects or damage. Focus on recognizing the insect radical 虫 and its implications in different contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, 蠹 is often used to symbolize decay or the loss of value, reflecting the importance of preserving knowledge and materials. This connects to the cultural reverence for books and education in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 蠹 with other insect-related terms like 虫 (chóng), which generally means 'insect'. Always remember that 蠹 specifically refers to destructive insects, especially in a metaphorical sense.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蠹
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Cultural Notes for 蠹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, 蠹 is often used to symbolize decay or the loss of value, reflecting the importance of preserving knowledge and materials. This connects to the cultural reverence for books and education in Chinese society.
Word Family of 蠹
Words Containing This Character12
蠹dùmoth-eaten
蠹虫moth蠹蟲
小蠹bark beetle (zoology)
蠹鱼silverfish蠹魚
巨蠹public enemy number one
户枢不蠹lit. a door hinge never becomes worm-eaten戶樞不蠹
苹果蠹蛾codling moth蘋果蠹蛾
蠹害to harm
木蠹蛾wood moth
书蠹book louse書蠹
蠹国害民to rob the state and hurt the people (idiom)蠹國害民
蠹弊abuse
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蠹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蠹
It is pronounced as 'dù'.
Yes, it specifically refers to insects that damage materials.
It's more commonly found in literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
