Meanings of 羽
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About 羽
Podcast: 羽
Podcast: 羽
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AI study notes for 羽
羽 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it typically appears in expressions related to nature or music. A common mistake is confusing it with other characters that sound similar; make sure to practice the pronunciation and tones to avoid this.
Although 羽 is not part of the official HSK levels, it's beneficial to connect it to other HSK words related to birds or nature. Focus on recognizing the character in context, especially in idiomatic expressions or songs.
Learners often confuse 羽 (yǔ) with 友 (yǒu, 'friend') due to the similar pronunciation. Remember, 羽 relates to feathers, while 友 is about companionship.
Pronunciation of 羽
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Jason Explains 羽 to you
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Learning Lab
Knowing 羽 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.
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Etymology of 羽
Pictograph of feathers.
Two feathers or wings
Origin
What kind of character is 羽?
Decomposition of 羽
Parts
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How to say feather in Chinese
“feather” in Chinese is羽
The character 羽 (yǔ) primarily means 'feather' and can refer to the plumage of birds or their wings. In musical contexts, it represents the fifth note in the pentatonic scale, highlighting its significance in both nature and culture.
When to use 羽
羽 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it typically appears in expressions related to nature or music. A common mistake is confusing it with other characters that sound similar; make sure to practice the pronunciation and tones to avoid this.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 羽 (yǔ) with 友 (yǒu, 'friend') due to the similar pronunciation. Remember, 羽 relates to feathers, while 友 is about companionship.
Write 羽
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Practice writing 羽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 羽
羽 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 3 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
崖沙燕是一种褐____白腹的鸟。
The sand martin is a brown bird with white underneath.
Common confusions with 羽
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Which one
Which one means “feather”?
Example sentences for 羽 (10)
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Word Family of 羽
Characters with 羽
What does 翰 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 羽
You can find more information about the character 羽 (yǔ) in online Chinese dictionaries and language learning resources. Websites like Pleco or HanziCraft provide detailed explanations and examples of usage.
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