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轳 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
pulley, windlass, capstanx, 9 strokes, radical 车, Very Hard
(lu2) T2
  1. 1pulley, windlass, capstan
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(轤)(lu2)

The character 轳 (lú) refers to a type of mechanical device used for lifting or moving heavy objects, typically a pulley or windlass. It is commonly found in contexts related to engineering, construction, and maritime activities where objects need to be hoisted or secured.

Strokes9RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In ancient China, windlasses were crucial for construction and agriculture, showcasing the ingenuity of traditional Chinese engineering. The use of 轳 reflects the importance of machinery in Chinese history, especially in maritime trade and river navigation.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large wheel (the shape of the character 轳) spinning to lift a heavy load. The left side of the character resembles a wheel, while the right side symbolizes the action of lifting. Think of 'lú' as the sound of a wheel turning as it helps lift burdens.

Meanings of 轳

(lu2)
1pulley, windlass, capstan
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 轳

Simplified
Traditional
9Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 轳

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AI Study Notes for 轳

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a large wheel (the shape of the character 轳) spinning to lift a heavy load. The left side of the character resembles a wheel, while the right side symbolizes the action of lifting. Think of 'lú' as the sound of a wheel turning as it helps lift burdens.

Usage Notes

This character is used primarily in technical contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Be careful with pronunciation; ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other characters. Common collocations include phrases like 轳轮 (pulley wheel) and 轳子 (windlass).

HSK Study Tips

While 轳 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enhance your technical vocabulary. Students at this level should focus on related terms in engineering and machinery, expanding their knowledge of practical vocabulary.

Cultural Note

In ancient China, windlasses were crucial for construction and agriculture, showcasing the ingenuity of traditional Chinese engineering. The use of 轳 reflects the importance of machinery in Chinese history, especially in maritime trade and river navigation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 轳 with similar-sounding characters like 露 (lù), which means 'dew.' Ensure you remember that 轳 relates to mechanical devices. A common mistake is using 轳 in informal contexts, where it may not be appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 轳

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Etymology of 轳

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

wheel

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 轳?

Decomposition of 轳

IDS Structure⿰车卢
Full Character
=
Che1
left
Lu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 轳?

Write 轳

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 轳

🏮Cultural insight

In ancient China, windlasses were crucial for construction and agriculture, showcasing the ingenuity of traditional Chinese engineering. The use of 轳 reflects the importance of machinery in Chinese history, especially in maritime trade and river navigation.

Word Family of 轳

Words Containing This Character2
辘轳well pulley轆轤
windlass
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 辘轳 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 轳

轳 specifically refers to a type of pulley or windlass, while other terms may denote different lifting devices like cranes or hoists.