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March 24, 2026
路lù(Lu4)
The character 路 (lù) primarily refers to a road or path. It can also denote a journey or route, and is commonly used in contexts involving travel or transportation, such as bus lines. The nuance of the term often relates to both physical pathways and metaphorical journeys in life.
Strokes13Radical足Frequency#479DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, roads symbolize the journey of life and the various paths one can take. Major roads are often associated with historical significance, such as the Silk Road, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange.
Memory Tip
Imagine a winding road (路) leading you to a destination. The character resembles a path with a 'foot' at the bottom, symbolizing travel. Remember that 'lù' sounds like 'loo'—think of needing to find a road to the nearest restroom!
Meanings of 路
lù(Lu4)
1road
2journey
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 路 means.
About 路
路Simplified
13Strokes
足Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#479Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 路
Podcast: 路
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AI Study Notes for 路
Quick Contrast
道 (dào) refers to a way or path, often with a philosophical or moral connotation, while 路 (lù) specifically denotes a physical road or route.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 路 (lù) with 旅 (lǚ), which means travel. 路 is more about the physical aspect of roads, while 旅 focuses on the act of traveling. Common collocations include '道路' (dàolù, road) and '路线' (lùxiàn, route).
HSK Study Tips
As HSK Level 2, 路 connects well with other transportation-related words like 车 (chē, car) and 站 (zhàn, station). Students should focus on using it in phrases about travel and directions to solidify their understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 路 with the character 途 (tú), which also means path but is used in more formal or literary contexts. A common error is saying '我在路走' (wǒ zài lù zǒu) instead of '我在路上走' (wǒ zài lù shàng zǒu), which correctly means 'I am walking on the road.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 路
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Etymology of 路
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 足 represents the meaning and 各 represents the sound.
路 = 足 + 各. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 路
IDS Structure⿰足各
路Full Character
=
足ju4
left
各ge4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 路?
How to say road in Chinese
“road” in Chinese is路lù
The character 路 (lù) primarily refers to a road or path. It can also denote a journey or route, and is commonly used in contexts involving travel or transportation, such as bus lines. The nuance of the term often relates to both physical pathways and metaphorical journeys in life.
When to use 路
Be careful not to confuse 路 (lù) with 旅 (lǚ), which means travel. 路 is more about the physical aspect of roads, while 旅 focuses on the act of traveling. Common collocations include '道路' (dàolù, road) and '路线' (lùxiàn, route).
路 or something close to it
道 (dào) refers to a way or path, often with a philosophical or moral connotation, while 路 (lù) specifically denotes a physical road or route.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 路 with the character 途 (tú), which also means path but is used in more formal or literary contexts. A common error is saying '我在路走' (wǒ zài lù zǒu) instead of '我在路上走' (wǒ zài lù shàng zǒu), which correctly means 'I am walking on the road.'
Write 路
路
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Grammar Patterns of 路
路 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 8 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.
