unknown, 17 strokes, radical 革, rank #20055, Very Hard
Jū(Ju1) T1
1to bring up
2to rear
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March 24, 2026
鞠Jū(Ju1)
The character 鞠 (jū) primarily denotes the meanings of 'to rear' or 'to bring up,' often used in the context of nurturing or raising children. Additionally, it can refer to the act of bowing or bending, indicating respect. It is also a surname in Chinese culture, adding to its versatility in usage.
Strokes17Radical革Frequency#20055DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of nurturing children is deeply valued, often associated with the traditional family structure where parents play a significant role in their children's upbringing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person 'bending' over to bring up a small plant, nurturing it to grow. The character 鞠 resembles a person bowing, suggesting care and respect, which is reflected in its meanings related to nurturing and bowing.
Meanings of 鞠
Jū(Ju1)
1to bring up
2to rear
Exercise 1 of 2
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Choose the correct answer:
About 鞠
鞠Simplified
17Strokes
革Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#20055Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鞠
Podcast: 鞠
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AI Study Notes for 鞠
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person 'bending' over to bring up a small plant, nurturing it to grow. The character 鞠 resembles a person bowing, suggesting care and respect, which is reflected in its meanings related to nurturing and bowing.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation; in Taiwan, it is pronounced as jú, which can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. It is often used in formal contexts related to upbringing or respect, so ensure to match the tone accordingly.
HSK Study Tips
While 鞠 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 3 words related to family and upbringing. Focus on understanding its dual meanings and how it can be used in different contexts, especially in discussions about family or respect.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of nurturing children is deeply valued, often associated with the traditional family structure where parents play a significant role in their children's upbringing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鞠 (jū) with similar-sounding characters. For example, using it in a sentence as '我鞠了我的孩子' (Wǒ jū le wǒ de háizi) is incorrect; the correct form would be '我抚养了我的孩子' (Wǒ fǔyǎng le wǒ de háizi) for 'I raised my child.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鞠
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Grammar Patterns of 鞠
鞠 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
我夸张地____了个躬，然后挥手致意。
I gave a theatrical bow and waved.
Example Sentences for 鞠 (6)
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1
我夸张地鞠了个躬，然后挥手致意。
wǒ kuā zhāng dì jū le gè gōng， ， rán hòu huī shǒu zhì。
I gave a theatrical bow and waved.
2
她夸张地鞠了个躬。“阿纳斯塔西娅·克鲁布尼克，随时为您效劳，”她说。
tā kuā zhāng dì jū le gè gōng。“ 。“ ā nà sī tǎ xī· yà · kè lǔ bù， ní kè ， suí shí wéi，” nín xiào。
She bowed dramatically. "Anastasia Krupnik, at your service," she said.
3
他们向路易斯深深鞠躬，并忙不迭地给他让道。
tā mén xiàng lù yì sī shēn shēn jū gōng， ， bìng máng bù dié dì gěi tā ràng。
They bowed low to Louis and hastened out of his way.
4
他咧嘴讪笑，并朝她鞠了一躬。
tā liě zuǐ shàn xiào， ， bìng zhāo tā jū le yī。
He grinned sardonically and bowed towards her.
5
我向她举帽示礼,她鞠躬答礼.
wǒ xiàng tā jǔ mào shì lǐ, , tā jū gōng dá.
I raise my hat to her and she bowed in return.
6
瑞德向她鞠了一躬,嘴角往下一撇,露出愉快的微笑.
ruì dé xiàng tā jū le yī gōng, , zuǐ jiǎo wǎng xià yī, piē , lòu chū yú kuài de.
Rhett bowed and his lip curled down in an amused smile.
Cultural Notes for 鞠
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of nurturing children is deeply valued, often associated with the traditional family structure where parents play a significant role in their children's upbringing.
Word Family of 鞠
Compounds3
巈
蘜
驧
Words Containing This Character3
鞠躬jūgōngto bow
鞠Jūto rear
鞠躬尽瘁to bend to a task and spare no effort (idiom); striving to the utmost鞠躬盡瘁
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 鞠躬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鞠
While 鞠 relates to nurturing and bowing, 俯 specifically means to bend down or lean over without the nurturing connotation.
No, 鞠 (jū) is used both as a surname and as a verb meaning to rear or nurture.
You can think of 'Ju' in 'Juice,' just imagine a juicer bending down to bring up fresh juice.
