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March 24, 2026
粥yù(yu4)
粥 (yù) refers to a type of rice porridge or gruel, commonly consumed for breakfast in Chinese culture. It is made by boiling rice in a large amount of water until it breaks down into a soft, creamy consistency. This dish can be served plain or with various toppings, making it versatile for different tastes and preferences.
Strokes12Radical米Frequency#9270DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 粥 is often seen as a comfort food and is commonly consumed when one is unwell, believed to be easy on the stomach and nourishing. It is also a staple in many traditional Chinese breakfasts, symbolizing warmth and care.
Memory Tip
Imagine a warm bowl of porridge steaming in front of you, resembling a cozy hug on a chilly morning. The character 粥 consists of the radical '米' (rice) at the bottom, symbolizing its main ingredient, and the top part '猪' (pig) can remind you that it’s hearty and filling, just like a pig would enjoy a good meal.
Meanings of 粥
yù(yu4)
primary
1congee
2gruel
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 粥
粥Simplified
12Strokes
米Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9270Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 粥
Podcast: 粥
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AI Study Notes for 粥
Quick Contrast
稀饭 (xīfàn) — use 粥 for a thicker, creamy consistency, while 稀饭 refers to a thinner rice porridge.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a warm bowl of porridge steaming in front of you, resembling a cozy hug on a chilly morning. The character 粥 consists of the radical '米' (rice) at the bottom, symbolizing its main ingredient, and the top part '猪' (pig) can remind you that it’s hearty and filling, just like a pig would enjoy a good meal.
Usage Notes
When using 粥, it's important to note that it is typically used in a more informal context, often associated with home-cooked meals. Learners may confuse it with other porridge types by using the wrong classifiers; remember to pair it correctly with 碗 (wǎn) when referring to a bowl of congee.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 vocabulary word, 粥 connects with other food-related terms, enhancing your culinary vocabulary. Focus on learning how to describe various dishes and their preparation methods, which will enrich your conversations about Chinese cuisine.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 粥 is often seen as a comfort food and is commonly consumed when one is unwell, believed to be easy on the stomach and nourishing. It is also a staple in many traditional Chinese breakfasts, symbolizing warmth and care.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 粥 interchangeably with other types of porridge like oatmeal or grits, which can lead to confusion. Instead, remember that 粥 specifically refers to the rice-based porridge unique to Chinese cuisine.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 粥
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Grammar Patterns of 粥
粥 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 4 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 5
Complete the Sentence
他总是卿卿我我地跟女朋友煲电话____。
He's constantly on the phone to his girlfriend being soppy.
Example Sentences for 粥 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他总是卿卿我我地跟女朋友煲电话粥。
tā zǒng shì qīng qīng wǒ wǒ dì gēn nǚ péng yǒu bāo diàn huà zhōu。
He's constantly on the phone to his girlfriend being soppy.
2
她正在给小孩子喂粥.
tā zhèng zài gěi xiǎo hái zǐ wèi zhōu.
She was feeding the baby with porridge.
3
赤小豆熬成的粥又香又甜.
chì xiǎo dòu āo chéng de zhōu yòu xiāng yòu tián.
Porridge made of red beans is both savory and sweet.
The prisoners subsisted on one mug of the worst quality porridge three times a day.
6
粥熬得太糨了.
zhōu āo dé tài jiàng le.
The porridge is too thick.
7
我们早餐吃的是麦片粥.
wǒ mén zǎo cān chī de shì mài piàn zhōu.
We had gruel for the breakfast.
8
粥还温和呢.
zhōu huán wēn hé ne.
The porredge is still warm.
9
粥太稀了.
zhōu tài xī le.
This gruel is too thin.
10
粥很稠.
zhōu hěn chóu.
The porridge is very thick.
Cultural Notes for 粥
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 粥 is often seen as a comfort food and is commonly consumed when one is unwell, believed to be easy on the stomach and nourishing. It is also a staple in many traditional Chinese breakfasts, symbolizing warmth and care.
Word Family of 粥
Compounds1
鬻yu4to vend, sell
Words Containing This Character9
粥yùcongee
一锅粥yīguōzhōu(lit.) a pot of porridge一鍋粥
粥样硬化atherosclerosis粥樣硬化
稀粥water gruel
腊八粥Laba congee, ceremonial rice porridge dish eaten on the 8th day of the 12th month in the Chinese calendar臘八粥
僧多粥少fig. not enough to go around
八宝粥rice congee made with red beans, lotus seeds, longan, red dates, nuts etc八寶粥
米粥congee
粥少僧多fig. not enough to go around
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鬻 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 粥
There are many variations of 粥, including sweet versions with red bean or fruit, and savory versions with meats or vegetables.
While rice is the most common base for 粥, it can also be made from other grains like millet or oats.
粥 can be served plain or with toppings such as pickled vegetables, century eggs, or shredded chicken for added flavor.
