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March 24, 2026
录(錄)lù(Lu4)
The character 录 (lù) primarily means 'to record' or 'to write down.' It is commonly used in contexts such as keeping a diary or documenting information. Additionally, it can refer to a surname and has meanings associated with hitting or copying, which can be seen in various compound words.
Strokes8Radical彐Frequency#1574DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Recording thoughts in a diary is a common practice in Chinese culture, often seen as a way to reflect on personal growth and experiences. The concept of recording (录) is also significant in traditional Chinese history, where documenting events was essential for passing down knowledge.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'recording' device (录) that captures your voice (lù) as you speak. The character has a 'knife' radical (刂) on the left, symbolizing the act of cutting into a surface to leave a mark, much like how you record your thoughts in a diary.
Meanings of 录
lù(Lu4)
1diary
2record
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 录
录Simplified
錄Traditional
8Strokes
彐Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#1574Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 录
Podcast: 录
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AI Study Notes for 录
Quick Contrast
录 (lù) vs 记 (jì): use 录 when emphasizing the act of recording or transcribing information, while 记 is more about remembering or noting something.
Usage Notes
When using 录, be cautious of its context; for example, it's often paired with other characters like '音' (yīn) to form '录音' (lùyīn), meaning 'to record sound.' Ensure you use the correct tone (fourth tone) to avoid confusion with other characters.
HSK Study Tips
Although 录 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects to vocabulary around documentation and recording, such as 记 (jì, to remember). Students should focus on how 录 is used in phrases and its derivatives to expand their understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 录 (lù) with 录音 (lùyīn) and use it incorrectly in contexts like 'I will record a video' as '我会录视频' (Wǒ huì lù shìpín) instead of '我会录制视频' (Wǒ huì lùzhì shìpín). Pay attention to the context to avoid such errors.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 录
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六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation
Simplified form of 錄. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 彔 represents the sound. The traditional component 金 was removed for simplification.
Simplified form of 錄. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 彔 represents the sound. The traditional component 金 was removed for simplification.
1The giveawayA brush used to record stories
2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 录? 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 录?
Decomposition of 录
IDS Structure⿱彐氺
录Full Character
=
彐ji4
top
氺shui5
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 录?
How to say diary in Chinese
“diary” in Chinese is录lù
The character 录 (lù) primarily means 'to record' or 'to write down.' It is commonly used in contexts such as keeping a diary or documenting information. Additionally, it can refer to a surname and has meanings associated with hitting or copying, which can be seen in various compound words.
When to use 录
When using 录, be cautious of its context; for example, it's often paired with other characters like '音' (yīn) to form '录音' (lùyīn), meaning 'to record sound.' Ensure you use the correct tone (fourth tone) to avoid confusion with other characters.
录 or something close to it
录 (lù) vs 记 (jì): use 录 when emphasizing the act of recording or transcribing information, while 记 is more about remembering or noting something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 录 (lù) with 录音 (lùyīn) and use it incorrectly in contexts like 'I will record a video' as '我会录视频' (Wǒ huì lù shìpín) instead of '我会录制视频' (Wǒ huì lùzhì shìpín). Pay attention to the context to avoid such errors.
Write 录
录
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Grammar Patterns of 录
录 carries 6 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
While both 录 (lù) and 记录 (jìlù) relate to recording, 录 often emphasizes the action of recording itself, like in audio or video contexts. 记录, on the other hand, refers more to the act of noting down information or keeping a record.
Yes, 录 (Lù) is a relatively uncommon surname in China compared to others, but it is recognized. Surnames in Chinese culture often carry historical significance and can indicate lineage.
录 (lù) has several meanings in Chinese. It can mean 'to record' or 'to copy', and it is also used as a surname, Lu. Additionally, it can refer to a diary or a record.
To use 录 in a sentence, you can say '我在录音' (Wǒ zài lùyīn), which means 'I am recording audio.' It can also be used in contexts like '录视频' (lù shìpín), meaning 'to record a video.'
录 (lù) is more about recording or writing down information, while 记 (jì) emphasizes the act of remembering or noting something.
Yes, 录 is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing records or documentation.
Absolutely! It's commonly used when talking about recording audio or keeping a diary.
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