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轳 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
轳lúpulley, windlass, capstanx, 9 strokes, radical 车
lú(lu2)lu T2
  1. 1pulley, windlass, capstan
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March 24, 2026

轳(轤)lú(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.

Strokes9Radical车
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

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

By ear

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About 轳

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

Podcast: 轳

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Podcast: 轳

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AI study notes for 轳

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.

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

Origin

轳 = 车 + 卢. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 轳

IDS Structure⿰车卢
轳Full character
=
车Che1
left
卢Lu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 轳?

How to say pulley, windlass, capstan in Chinese

“pulley, windlass, capstan” in Chinese is轳lú

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.

When to use 轳

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).

What learners get wrong

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.

Write 轳

轳

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

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Word Family of 轳

Words containing this character2
辘轳well pulley轆轤
轳lúwindlass轤
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 轳

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.

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