HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
语
yǔ
language
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
语
yǔ
speech
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
语
yǔ
to tell to
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
语
yǔ
words, language; saying, expression
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
语
yù
dialect
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
语
yù
language
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
语
yù
speech
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
语
yù
to tell to
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
语
yù
words, language; saying, expression
HSK 7, ng, 9 strokes, radical 讠, rank #1470, Very Hard
yǔ(yu3)
primary
T3
1dialect
2language
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
语(語)yǔ(yu3)
The character 语 (yǔ) refers to language, speech, or dialect. It encompasses both the act of speaking and the words used in communication. It is commonly used in contexts related to linguistics, education, and communication.
Strokes9Radical讠Frequency#1470DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, language is not just a means of communication but also a reflection of regional identity, with numerous dialects spoken across the country. Understanding 语 can help learners appreciate the diversity within Chinese linguistic practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person speaking on a large 'u'-shaped stage (the character 语 has a 'u' shape) where they share different dialects and languages. The 'y' sound in 'yǔ' can remind you of 'you' speaking or telling something.
Meanings of 语
yǔ(yu3)
primary
1dialect
2language
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 语
语Simplified
語Traditional
9Strokes
讠Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#1470Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 语
Podcast: 语
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 语
Quick Contrast
语 (yǔ) vs 言 (yán) — use 语 when referring to language or speech in a broader sense, while 言 is often used to denote words or speech in a more specific context.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 'yǔ' is pronounced with a falling-rising tone (yǔ), which can be confused with other similar-sounding words. It is often used in compounds like 语言 (yǔyán - language) or 语法 (yǔfǎ - grammar). In formal contexts, it is appropriate to use this character when discussing language matters.
HSK Study Tips
Although 语 is not specifically listed in the HSK vocabulary, it is related to other language-focused words like 语言 (yǔyán) and 语法 (yǔfǎ). Students at HSK levels 3 and 4 should focus on these related terms to build a solid foundation in discussing language.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 语 with similar-sounding words like 余 (yú - surplus) or 予 (yǔ - to give). Always remember the tone and context when using 语.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 语
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Drill the tone of 语 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Simplified form of 語. Phonosemantic compound. 言 represents the meaning and 吾 represents the sound.
1The meaning half讠 carries the sense.
2The sound half吾 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywords
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 语? 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 语?
Decomposition of 语
IDS Structure⿰讠吾
语Full Character
=
讠yan2
left
吾Wu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 语?
How to say dialect in Chinese
“dialect” in Chinese is语yǔ
The character 语 (yǔ) refers to language, speech, or dialect. It encompasses both the act of speaking and the words used in communication. It is commonly used in contexts related to linguistics, education, and communication.
When to use 语
Be cautious with the tone; 'yǔ' is pronounced with a falling-rising tone (yǔ), which can be confused with other similar-sounding words. It is often used in compounds like 语言 (yǔyán - language) or 语法 (yǔfǎ - grammar). In formal contexts, it is appropriate to use this character when discussing language matters.
语 or something close to it
语 (yǔ) vs 言 (yán) — use 语 when referring to language or speech in a broader sense, while 言 is often used to denote words or speech in a more specific context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 语 with similar-sounding words like 余 (yú - surplus) or 予 (yǔ - to give). Always remember the tone and context when using 语.
Write 语
语
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Practice writing 语 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 语
语 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 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.
