unknown, 18 strokes, radical 革, rank #86035, Very Hard
鞣
róu
chamois
unknown, 18 strokes, radical 革, rank #86035, Very Hard
鞣
róu
tannin
unknown, 18 strokes, radical 革, rank #86035, Very Hard
róu(rou2) T2
1to tan, to soften
2suede
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
鞣róu(rou2)
The character 鞣 (róu) primarily means 'to tan' in the context of leather processing. It describes the process of treating animal hides to produce leather, particularly softening it to create materials like suede. This term is often used in discussions related to leather goods and craftsmanship.
Strokes18Radical革Frequency#86035DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, leather crafting has a long history, often associated with craftsmanship and trade. The process of tanning is crucial for creating durable leather goods, which are highly valued in traditional markets.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'row' of animals being treated for their hides. The 'r' in 'row' sounds like the 'r' in 'róu', and think of them being softened and transformed into luxurious suede.
Meanings of 鞣
róu(rou2)
1to tan, to soften
2suede
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鞣
鞣Simplified
18Strokes
革Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鞣
Podcast: 鞣
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 鞣
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'row' of animals being treated for their hides. The 'r' in 'row' sounds like the 'r' in 'róu', and think of them being softened and transformed into luxurious suede.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 鞣 is a technical term primarily used in leather production contexts, so it may not be understood in casual conversation. Common collocations include 鞣革 (róugé, tanned leather) and 鞣制 (róuzhì, to tan or process hides).
HSK Study Tips
Although 鞣 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to themes of traditional crafts and materials in Chinese culture. Students should focus on related terms in the leather industry to enhance their vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, leather crafting has a long history, often associated with craftsmanship and trade. The process of tanning is crucial for creating durable leather goods, which are highly valued in traditional markets.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鞣 with other characters related to softening, such as 柔 (róu), which means 'soft' or 'gentle'. A common mistake is saying '我鞣这个皮' (wǒ róu zhège pí, 'I tan this skin') instead of '我在鞣这个皮' (wǒ zài róu zhège pí, 'I am tanning this skin').
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鞣
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 鞣 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 鞣 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 鞣
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, leather crafting has a long history, often associated with craftsmanship and trade. The process of tanning is crucial for creating durable leather goods, which are highly valued in traditional markets.
Word Family of 鞣
Words Containing This Character4
鞣róusuede
鞣酸tannin
鞣质tannin鞣質
鞣制tanning鞣製
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鞣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鞣
It means 'to tan' or 'to soften', particularly in relation to leather.
No, it is primarily used in specific contexts related to leather processing.
While its primary meaning is related to tanning leather, it can also refer to the process of softening materials.