Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
奴隶 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
奴隶núlìslaveHSK 7, n, 13 strokes, rank #3159, Very Hard
núlì(nu2li4)nu li T2
  1. 1slave
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

奴隶(奴隸)núlì(nu2li4)

奴隶 (núlì) refers to a person who is owned by someone else and is forced to work for them without any personal freedom. This term is often used in discussions about history, human rights, and social justice. It carries a heavy connotation due to its association with exploitation and oppression.

Strokes13Frequency#3159DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese history, the concept of slavery was present, particularly during feudal times; the term 奴隶 evokes the darker chapters of social hierarchies and class struggles in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'nude' person (sounds like '奴') being forced to work tirelessly, representing a slave. The '力' (power/strength) in '奴隶' can remind you that a slave has no power over their own life or labor, emphasizing their subjugation.

Meanings of 奴隶

núlì(nu2li4)
1slave
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 奴隶 means.

About 奴隶

奴隶Simplified
奴隸Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3159Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 奴隶

JasonAmy

Podcast: 奴隶

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 奴隶

Quick Contrast

奴仆 (núpú) - use 奴隶 (núlì) when emphasizing ownership and lack of freedom, while 奴仆 (núpú) can imply a servant role with some level of agency.

Usage Notes

Be mindful that 奴隶 is a formal term and may be considered sensitive due to its historical implications. It is often used in academic or serious discussions rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '奴隶制度' (slave system) and '奴隶贸易' (slave trade).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 奴隶 connects with themes of social issues and historical narratives, which are prevalent at this level. Students should focus on understanding its context in literature and discussions about ethics and human rights.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 奴隶 with '仆人' (púrén), which means 'servant' but lacks the implication of ownership and oppression. Remember, 奴隶 indicates a lack of freedom and personal rights.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 奴隶

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 奴隶 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 奴隶 to You

Let me explain 奴隶 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 奴隶 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 奴隶?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 奴隶 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

奴núslave
5 strokes女
View full entry
隶lìattached to
HSK 68 strokes隶
View full entry

How to say slave in Chinese

“slave” in Chinese is奴隶núlì

奴隶 (núlì) refers to a person who is owned by someone else and is forced to work for them without any personal freedom. This term is often used in discussions about history, human rights, and social justice. It carries a heavy connotation due to its association with exploitation and oppression.

When to use 奴隶

Be mindful that 奴隶 is a formal term and may be considered sensitive due to its historical implications. It is often used in academic or serious discussions rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '奴隶制度' (slave system) and '奴隶贸易' (slave trade).

奴隶 or something close to it

奴仆 (núpú) - use 奴隶 (núlì) when emphasizing ownership and lack of freedom, while 奴仆 (núpú) can imply a servant role with some level of agency.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 奴隶 with '仆人' (púrén), which means 'servant' but lacks the implication of ownership and oppression. Remember, 奴隶 indicates a lack of freedom and personal rights.

Write 奴隶

奴
隶

Practice writing 奴隶 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 奴隶?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 奴隶

The tones are 'nǔ' (second tone) and 'lì' (fourth tone), so be careful to pronounce them accurately.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 奴隶?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab