Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
録 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
to copyzg, 16 strokes, radical 釒, Very Hard
Japanese variant of 錄|录[lu4]unknown, 16 strokes, radical 釒, Very Hard
(lu4) T4
  1. 1to copy
  2. 2Japanese variant of 錄|录[lu4]
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(lu4)

The character 録 (lù) primarily means 'to copy' or 'to record'. It is often used in contexts involving transcription, documentation, or audio/video recording. While it holds a similar meaning to the simplified variant 录 (lù), 録 is more commonly associated with Japanese usage in the kanji form.

Strokes16RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the act of recording is significant in both academic and artistic contexts, such as recording traditional music or historical events. Understanding the nuances of recording can also enhance your appreciation of Chinese media.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large book with 'copy' written on it, and inside you see a recording device. The character 録 is composed of the metal radical 金 (jīn), suggesting the idea of valuable information being copied or recorded, which helps you remember its meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 録

(lu4)
1to copy
2Japanese variant of 錄|录[lu4]
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 録

Simplified
16Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 録

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 録

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a large book with 'copy' written on it, and inside you see a recording device. The character 録 is composed of the metal radical 金 (jīn), suggesting the idea of valuable information being copied or recorded, which helps you remember its meaning and pronunciation.

Usage Notes

This character is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation compared to its simplified counterpart 录 (lù). It's important to be aware of the context in which you use it, as using 録 might sound outdated in modern Chinese. Collocations include 録音 (lùyīn, to record sound) and 録影 (lùyǐng, to record video).

HSK Study Tips

While 録 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding its connection to 录 can help learners grasp the differences between traditional and simplified characters. Focusing on related words in both forms can enhance your vocabulary and comprehension.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the act of recording is significant in both academic and artistic contexts, such as recording traditional music or historical events. Understanding the nuances of recording can also enhance your appreciation of Chinese media.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 録 and 录, using 録 in casual conversation incorrectly. For example, saying '我想錄音' (wǒ xiǎng lùyīn) instead of '我想录音' is incorrect; always use 录 in everyday contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 録

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 録

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

To carve 釒 a record 录; 录 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 録?

Decomposition of 録

IDS Structure⿰釒录
Full Character
=
jin1
left
Lu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 録?

Write 録

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 録

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the act of recording is significant in both academic and artistic contexts, such as recording traditional music or historical events. Understanding the nuances of recording can also enhance your appreciation of Chinese media.

Word Family of 録

Words Containing This Character1
Japanese variant of 錄|录[lù]
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 録 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 録

No, 録 is primarily used in Japanese and is considered more formal or outdated in modern Mandarin; 录 is the preferred term.