Meanings of 驽
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About 驽
Podcast: 驽
Podcast: 驽
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AI Study Notes for 驽
驽 (nú) vs 劣 (liè) — use 驽 when emphasizing tiredness or weakness, while 劣 refers more to inferiority or poor quality.
This word is typically used in a literary or poetic context rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with other horse-related terms; it specifically denotes weakness. It can be used in phrases to describe people metaphorically, but make sure the context is appropriate.
While 驽 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it can connect to themes of age and weariness found in level 4-6 vocabulary like 老 (lǎo, old) and 磨 (mó, to wear out). Focus on understanding how it fits in more literary contexts and idiomatic expressions.
Learners often confuse 驽 with other horse-related words like 马 (mǎ, horse), using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying '我有一个驽' (wǒ yǒu yī gè nú) to mean 'I have a horse' is incorrect; it should be '我有一匹马' (wǒ yǒu yī pǐ mǎ) instead.
Pronunciation of 驽
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Etymology of 驽
horse
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 驽
- 1The meaning half马 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half奴 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhorse
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 驽? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 驽
Identify the Components
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How to say tired old horse; old, weak in Chinese
“tired old horse; old, weak” in Chinese is驽
The character 驽 (nú) refers to a tired or weak horse, often implying something that is old or worn out. In a broader context, it can symbolize a lack of vitality or effectiveness, often used metaphorically to describe people or things that have lost their former strength or capability.
When to use 驽
This word is typically used in a literary or poetic context rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with other horse-related terms; it specifically denotes weakness. It can be used in phrases to describe people metaphorically, but make sure the context is appropriate.
驽 or something close to it
驽 (nú) vs 劣 (liè) — use 驽 when emphasizing tiredness or weakness, while 劣 refers more to inferiority or poor quality.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 驽 with other horse-related words like 马 (mǎ, horse), using it inappropriately in casual contexts. For example, saying '我有一个驽' (wǒ yǒu yī gè nú) to mean 'I have a horse' is incorrect; it should be '我有一匹马' (wǒ yǒu yī pǐ mǎ) instead.
Write 驽
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Practice writing 驽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 驽
Compound Meaning
What does 驽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 驽
No, it's more frequently found in literary texts or formal writing.
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