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March 24, 2026
驭(馭)yù(yu4)
The character 驭 (yù) primarily means 'to drive' or 'to ride', particularly in the context of controlling a vehicle or animal. It can also denote the act of managing or controlling a situation or person. This term is often used in literature and formal contexts to imply a sense of authority or skill in handling something.
Strokes5Radical马Frequency#36096DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese culture, the ability to control horses was seen as a mark of a skilled warrior or leader. This character reflects the historical significance of horsemanship in Chinese society, particularly in military contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a skilled horse rider expertly guiding their horse through a field. The character 驭 looks like a horse being led by a person, with the top part representing the horse and the bottom part indicating control. Remember 'yù' as you envision this control over the horse.
Meanings of 驭
yù(yu4)
1to drive, to ride; to manage, to control
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 驭
驭Simplified
馭Traditional
5Strokes
马Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 驭
Podcast: 驭
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AI Study Notes for 驭
Quick Contrast
驾 (jià) - use 驭 (yù) when emphasizing control or authority over the vehicle or animal, while 驾 (jià) focuses more on the act of driving itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a skilled horse rider expertly guiding their horse through a field. The character 驭 looks like a horse being led by a person, with the top part representing the horse and the bottom part indicating control. Remember 'yù' as you envision this control over the horse.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 驭 with its variant 御 (yù), which has similar meanings but is more formal. In conversational Chinese, 驭 might sound overly formal; thus, use it in writing or formal speech. Common collocations include 驭马 (to drive a horse) and 驭势 (to manage a situation).
HSK Study Tips
As 驭 is not included in HSK levels, learners can benefit from connecting it to related characters like 驾 (jià, to drive) and 管 (guǎn, to manage). Focus on understanding its usage in formal contexts to enrich vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese culture, the ability to control horses was seen as a mark of a skilled warrior or leader. This character reflects the historical significance of horsemanship in Chinese society, particularly in military contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 驭 with 驾, using 驭 in informal contexts. For example, saying 驭车 (yù chē) sounds overly formal; instead, use 驾车 (jià chē) for 'to drive a car'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 驭
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Grammar Patterns of 驭
驭 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
汽车的功率越大，就越难驾____。
The more powerful the car the more difficult it is to handle.
Example Sentences for 驭 (4)
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1
汽车的功率越大，就越难驾驭。
qì chē de gōng shuài yuè dà， ， jiù yuè nán jià。
The more powerful the car the more difficult it is to handle.
2
我怕我驾驭不了这么强壮的马。
wǒ pà wǒ jià yù bù le zhè mó qiáng zhuàng de mǎ。
I feared I wouldn't be able to control such a strong horse.
He that by the plough would thrive himself must either hold or drive.
Cultural Notes for 驭
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient Chinese culture, the ability to control horses was seen as a mark of a skilled warrior or leader. This character reflects the historical significance of horsemanship in Chinese society, particularly in military contexts.
Word Family of 驭
Words Containing This Character4
驾驭jiàyùto drive駕馭
驭yùto drive馭
驭手chariot driver馭手
以一驭万to control a key point is to be master of the situation (idiom)以一馭萬
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 驾驭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 驭
The pronunciation is 'yù', with a falling tone. Practice saying it with emphasis on the downward pitch.
While it's technically correct, 驭 is more formal and might sound out of place in casual dialogue; consider using 驾 instead.
Yes, it appears in literary texts, especially those discussing themes of control and management.
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