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March 24, 2026
魄pò(po4)
The character 魄 (pò) refers to the mortal soul or spirit that is connected to the physical body. It can also imply vigor or energy, suggesting a more earthly aspect of existence. In traditional Chinese thought, it contrasts with the character ‘灵’ (líng), which denotes a more ethereal or spiritual soul.
Strokes14Radical鬼Frequency#15901DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, the concept of the soul is integral to understanding health and vitality. 魄 is often discussed in the context of yin and yang, reflecting the balance of physical and spiritual well-being.
Memory Tip
Think of 魄 (pò) as a combination of the radical 魚 (fish) and the character 白 (white), suggesting a lively spirit swimming through life. Imagine a spirited fish, full of energy and vitality, embodying the essence of life and the connection to the body.
Meanings of 魄
pò(po4)
1soul
2mortal soul, i.e. attached to the body
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 魄
魄Simplified
14Strokes
鬼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#15901Frequency Rank
Podcast: 魄
Podcast: 魄
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AI Study Notes for 魄
Quick Contrast
灵 (líng) - use 魄 (pò) when referring to the mortal or earthly aspect of the soul, while 灵 (líng) emphasizes the ethereal or spiritual dimension.
Usage Notes
This term is often used in philosophical or literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse 魄 (pò) with 灵 (líng), as they represent different aspects of the soul. It's also important to use the correct tone, as mispronunciation can change the word's meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 魄 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to vocabulary regarding emotions and spirituality, which are often explored in advanced studies. Focus on understanding its contrasts with other soul-related terms in Chinese.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 魄 with the more commonly used 灵, leading to misunderstandings in context. For example, saying '我失去了我的灵' (I lost my spirit) instead of '我失去了我的魄' (I lost my mortal soul) can convey a different meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 魄
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Phonosemantic compound. 鬼 represents the meaning and 白 represents the sound.
1The meaning half鬼 carries the sense.
2The sound half白 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayspirit
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 魄? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 魄?
Decomposition of 魄
IDS Structure⿰白鬼
魄Full Character
=
白Bai2
left
鬼gui3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 魄?
How to say soul in Chinese
“soul” in Chinese is魄pò
The character 魄 (pò) refers to the mortal soul or spirit that is connected to the physical body. It can also imply vigor or energy, suggesting a more earthly aspect of existence. In traditional Chinese thought, it contrasts with the character ‘灵’ (líng), which denotes a more ethereal or spiritual soul.
When to use 魄
This term is often used in philosophical or literary contexts. Be cautious not to confuse 魄 (pò) with 灵 (líng), as they represent different aspects of the soul. It's also important to use the correct tone, as mispronunciation can change the word's meaning.
魄 or something close to it
灵 (líng) - use 魄 (pò) when referring to the mortal or earthly aspect of the soul, while 灵 (líng) emphasizes the ethereal or spiritual dimension.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 魄 with the more commonly used 灵, leading to misunderstandings in context. For example, saying '我失去了我的灵' (I lost my spirit) instead of '我失去了我的魄' (I lost my mortal soul) can convey a different meaning.
Write 魄
魄
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Practice writing 魄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 魄
魄 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 3 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 4
Complete the Sentence
这是一部气势恢宏、引人入胜的电影，充满了动人心____的瑰丽意象。
This is an ambitious and intriguing movie, full of striking imagery.
Example Sentences for 魄 (7)
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1
这是一部气势恢宏、引人入胜的电影，充满了动人心魄的瑰丽意象。
zhè shì yī bù qì shì huī hóng、 、 yǐn rén rù shèng de diàn， yǐng ， chōng mǎn le dòng rén xīn pò de guī lì。
This is an ambitious and intriguing movie, full of striking imagery.
