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March 24, 2026
陋lòu(lou4)
The character 陋 (lòu) refers to something that is low, humble, or plain in nature. It is often used to describe places or things that are considered crude, vulgar, or lacking in refinement. In certain contexts, it can also imply a sense of humility or modesty, particularly when referring to one's background or living conditions.
Strokes8Radical阝Frequency#78374DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is highly valued, and the character 陋 reflects the idea of modesty, especially in relation to one's living conditions or achievements. It is often used in phrases that emphasize a humble or simple lifestyle, resonating with Confucian values of modest living.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, dilapidated hut (陋) sitting low on the ground, surrounded by weeds. The hut is plain and lacks decoration, reminding you of the word 'low.' The roof of the hut is sloping down, much like the pronunciation 'lòu' which sounds like 'low' with a gentle dip.
Meanings of 陋
lòu(lou4)
1low
2humble
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 陋
陋Simplified
8Strokes
阝Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#65535Frequency Rank
Podcast: 陋
Podcast: 陋
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AI Study Notes for 陋
Quick Contrast
粗 (cū, rough) — use 陋 for a sense of lowliness or humility, while 粗 emphasizes a lack of finesse or refinement.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small, dilapidated hut (陋) sitting low on the ground, surrounded by weeds. The hut is plain and lacks decoration, reminding you of the word 'low.' The roof of the hut is sloping down, much like the pronunciation 'lòu' which sounds like 'low' with a gentle dip.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 陋 with 美 (měi), which means beautiful; remember that 陋 emphasizes the negative qualities of being low or crude. This character is more commonly used in formal contexts when discussing humility or modest living. Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change its meaning if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
While 陋 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary list, it connects to other words describing qualities or characteristics, such as 简 (jiǎn, simple) or 贫 (pín, poor). Focus on understanding the nuanced meanings of humility and vulgarity as they can often appear in advanced texts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is highly valued, and the character 陋 reflects the idea of modesty, especially in relation to one's living conditions or achievements. It is often used in phrases that emphasize a humble or simple lifestyle, resonating with Confucian values of modest living.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 陋 with other similar characters like 笨 (bèn, clumsy) due to phonetic similarities; remember that 陋 specifically refers to low or crude qualities. Another common mistake is using it inappropriately in positive contexts, whereas it usually carries a negative connotation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陋
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Grammar Patterns of 陋
陋 carries 7 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他设法让自己那张丑____的脸上了电视。
He managed to get his ugly mug on the telly.
Example Sentences for 陋 (10)
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1
他设法让自己那张丑陋的脸上了电视。
tā shè fǎ ràng zì jǐ nà zhāng chǒu lòu de liǎn shàng le diàn shì。
He managed to get his ugly mug on the telly.
2
从那以后他们拆掉了简陋的棚屋。
cóng nà yǐ hòu tā mén chāi diào le jiǎn lòu de péng wū。
They have since knocked down the shack.
3
她那仅有一张窄床的简陋卧室
tā nà jǐn yǒu yī zhāng zhǎi chuáng de jiǎn lòu wò shì
her austere bedroom with its simple narrow bed
4
尽管他们的方法和设备较为粗陋，那次实验却相当成功。
jìn guǎn tā mén de fāng fǎ hé shè bèi jiào wéi cū lòu， ， nà cì shí yàn què xiāng dāng chéng。
Despite the crudity of their methods and equipment, the experiment was a considerable success.
5
她尽量不去看那张带有疤痕的丑陋脸庞。
tā jìn liáng bù qù kàn nà zhāng dài yǒu bā hén de chǒu lòu liǎn páng。
She tried not to look at the scarred, disfigured face.
6
往轻里说是住宿条件简陋。
wǎng qīng lǐ shuō shì zhù sù tiáo jiàn jiǎn lòu。
Accommodation was basic to say the least.
7
晚饭毕, 粗陋的碗盏收拾干净.
wǎn fàn bì, , cū lòu de wǎn zhǎn shōu shí gān.
The meal ended, and the humble preparations were removed.
8
这个男孩身体矮壮,生着一张丑陋却讨人喜欢的泰姆纳人的扁阔的面孔.
zhè gè nán hái shēn tǐ ǎi zhuàng, , shēng zháo yī zhāng chǒu lòu què tǎo rén xǐ huān de tài mǔ nà rén de biǎn kuò de miàn.
The boy was shot and squat with the broad ugly pleasant face of a Temne.
9
其实有一些紫罗兰也觉得小矮人的丑陋大半是他自己故意做出来的.
qí shí yǒu yī xiē zǐ luó lán yě jué dé xiǎo ǎi rén de chǒu lòu dà bàn shì tā zì jǐ gù yì zuò chū lái de.
Some of the Violets themselves felt that the ugliness of the little Dwarf was almost ostentatious.
10
她一路穿过简陋的过道, 在嘉莉家的房门上敲了敲.
tā yī lù chuān guò jiǎn lòu de guò dào, , zài jiā lì jiā de fáng mén shàng qiāo le.
Making her way up the commonplace hall, she knocked at Carrie's door.
Cultural Notes for 陋
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, humility is highly valued, and the character 陋 reflects the idea of modesty, especially in relation to one's living conditions or achievements. It is often used in phrases that emphasize a humble or simple lifestyle, resonating with Confucian values of modest living.
Word Family of 陋
Words Containing This Character14
丑陋chǒulòuugly醜陋
简陋jiǎnlòusimple and crude簡陋
陋习bad habits陋習
孤陋寡闻gūlòuguǎwénignorant and inexperienced孤陋寡聞
陋lòulow
因陋就简to do things simply and thriftily因陋就簡
粗陋crude
陈规陋习outmoded conventions陳規陋習
浅陋shallow and crude淺陋
鄙陋superficial
孤陋ignorant
陋规objectionable practices陋規
卑陋humble
寡陋not well-read
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 丑陋 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 陋
While 陋 emphasizes a negative aspect of being low or crude, 简 focuses on the simplicity or lack of complexity.
Yes, it can be used in a positive light to express humility or modesty about one's circumstances.
No, it's more frequently found in literary or formal contexts rather than casual speech.
