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March 24, 2026
漏lòu(lou4)
The character 漏 (lòu) means 'to leak' or 'to drip', and it can also refer to inadvertently leaving something out or divulging information. Common contexts include discussions about physical leaks, such as water or gas, as well as figurative leaks, like secrets or information.
Strokes14Radical氵Frequency#3344DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese water clocks (漏壶), the concept of leaking water was used to measure time, showcasing the importance of precision in ancient Chinese timekeeping.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bucket with a hole, where water is leaking out. The character 漏 has the radical for water (氵) on the left, reminding you of liquid, and the right part (夭) can be imagined as a 'yawning' hole. Together, they create the image of something leaking out.
Meanings of 漏
lòu(lou4)
1to leak
2to divulge
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 漏
漏Simplified
14Strokes
氵Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3344Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 漏
Podcast: 漏
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AI Study Notes for 漏
Quick Contrast
漏 (lòu, leak) vs 洩 (xiè, leak/escape) — use 漏 for unintentional leaks, while 洩 often implies a more deliberate escape or release.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 漏 with similar-sounding words like 露 (lù), which means 'to expose' or 'dew'. This word is generally neutral in tone, but in formal contexts, it might be better to use more specific terms when discussing leaks in a technical sense.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 漏 connects with other verbs related to actions and occurrences. Focus on its various meanings in different contexts, particularly how it can be used both literally and figuratively.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 漏 with 露 (lù), leading to incorrect phrases like 漏露 (lòu lù) instead of 漏 (lòu) for 'leak'. Always double-check the context to ensure you're using the right term.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 漏
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1The giveawayWater 氵 falling like raindrops 雨; 屚 provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 漏? 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 漏?
Decomposition of 漏
IDS Structure⿰氵屚
漏Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
屚lou4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 漏?
How to say to leak in Chinese
“to leak” in Chinese is漏lòu
The character 漏 (lòu) means 'to leak' or 'to drip', and it can also refer to inadvertently leaving something out or divulging information. Common contexts include discussions about physical leaks, such as water or gas, as well as figurative leaks, like secrets or information.
When to use 漏
Be careful not to confuse 漏 with similar-sounding words like 露 (lù), which means 'to expose' or 'dew'. This word is generally neutral in tone, but in formal contexts, it might be better to use more specific terms when discussing leaks in a technical sense.
漏 or something close to it
漏 (lòu, leak) vs 洩 (xiè, leak/escape) — use 漏 for unintentional leaks, while 洩 often implies a more deliberate escape or release.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 漏 with 露 (lù), leading to incorrect phrases like 漏露 (lòu lù) instead of 漏 (lòu) for 'leak'. Always double-check the context to ensure you're using the right term.
Write 漏
漏
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Practice writing 漏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 漏
漏 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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
即使平放，这个真空水杯也是滴水不____。
The flask is completely watertight, even when laid on its side.
Common Confusions with 漏
漏vs流
liú
Similar sound, but 流 refers to flowing rather than leaking.
漏vs露
lù
Similar pronunciation but different meaning; both involve revealing.
漏 and 露 can both imply something being revealed or exposed, but 漏 specifically refers to leaking or leaving out information.
1
他漏了一个重要的细节。 (He left out an important detail.)
漏 and 露 can both imply something being revealed or exposed, but 漏 specifically refers to leaking or leaving out information.
💡Think of 漏 as 'leak', while 露 means 'to expose' or 'to reveal'.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to leak"?
or
Usage Notes for 漏
Misusing 漏Common Error
Learners often confuse 漏 with other verbs like 露 and 流. Remember that 漏 specifically refers to leaking or omitting.
