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閾 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
閾yùthreshold; separated, confinedzg, 16 strokes, radical 門
yù(yu4) T4
  1. 1threshold; separated, confined
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March 24, 2026

閾yù(yu4)

The character 閾 (yù) refers to a threshold, often symbolizing a barrier or a point of separation. It is used in contexts where there is a division between two states or areas, such as the entrance to a room or the boundary of a property.

Strokes16Radical門
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, thresholds are important features symbolizing the transition from the outside world to the inner sanctum of a home. They often carry cultural significance regarding protection and separation.

Memory Tip

Imagine standing at the threshold of a doorway, where the two rooms are separated. The character 閾 resembles a door with a threshold (the horizontal line) that you step over to enter the next space, reminding you of its meaning as a barrier or division.

Meanings of 閾

yù(yu4)
1threshold; separated, confined
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 閾

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

Podcast: 閾

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Podcast: 閾

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AI Study Notes for 閾

Usage Notes

Be careful with the tone; 'yù' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can be confused with other similar-sounding words. This character is often used in literary or formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation.

HSK Study Tips

While 閾 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other words related to boundaries and spaces, such as 境 (jìng, boundary) and 隔 (gé, separate). Focus on understanding the concept of thresholds in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 閾 with other similar characters due to its unique structure. For instance, mixing it up with 界 (jiè, boundary) is common; remember that 閾 specifically relates to a threshold.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 閾

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Etymology of 閾

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

Separated 或 by a gate 門

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 閾

  1. 1The giveawaySeparated 或 by a gate 門
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 閾? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 閾?

Decomposition of 閾

IDS Structure⿵門或
閾Full Character
=
門men2
enclosing
或huo4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 閾?

How to say threshold; separated, confined in Chinese

“threshold; separated, confined” in Chinese is閾yù

The character 閾 (yù) refers to a threshold, often symbolizing a barrier or a point of separation. It is used in contexts where there is a division between two states or areas, such as the entrance to a room or the boundary of a property.

When to use 閾

Be careful with the tone; 'yù' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can be confused with other similar-sounding words. This character is often used in literary or formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 閾 with other similar characters due to its unique structure. For instance, mixing it up with 界 (jiè, boundary) is common; remember that 閾 specifically relates to a threshold.

Write 閾

閾

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 閾

Words Containing This Character3
阈值threshold閾值
阈yùthreshold閾
听阈audibility threshold聽閾
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 阈值 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 閾

You could say, '他站在门的閾上' (Tā zhàn zài mén de yù shàng) meaning 'He stands at the threshold of the door.'

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