Meanings of 余
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Podcast: 余
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AI Study Notes for 余
Be careful not to confuse 余 with 餘 (yú), which has similar meanings but is more commonly used in modern language. This character is generally more formal and may not be used in everyday casual conversations. It often appears in phrases like 余量 (surplus amount) or 余地 (room or margin).
Although 余 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with other vocabulary related to quantities and amounts, such as 多 (more) and 少 (less). Focus on recognizing it in context, especially in mathematical terms or expressions of excess.
Learners often confuse 余 with 余地 (yúdì) meaning 'margin' or 'room,' using it incorrectly in casual contexts. Instead, remember that 余 is more applicable in formal or literary settings.
Pronunciation of 余
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Jason Explains 余 to You
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Knowing 余 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 余
Pictograph of a small shelter. Based on the original meaning "residence", now written as 舍. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
Decomposition of 余
Parts
Which of these is part of 余?
How to say (archaic) I in Chinese
“(archaic) I” in Chinese is余
The character 余 (yú) has multiple meanings, primarily referring to 'surplus' or 'remaining' in various contexts. It can also serve as a personal pronoun 'I' in archaic usage and is a common surname in China. You will often encounter it in mathematical contexts or discussions about excess.
When to use 余
Be careful not to confuse 余 with 餘 (yú), which has similar meanings but is more commonly used in modern language. This character is generally more formal and may not be used in everyday casual conversations. It often appears in phrases like 余量 (surplus amount) or 余地 (room or margin).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 余 with 余地 (yúdì) meaning 'margin' or 'room,' using it incorrectly in casual contexts. Instead, remember that 余 is more applicable in formal or literary settings.
Write 余
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Practice writing 余 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 余
余 functions as a modal — it sits in front of the main verb to express ability, obligation, or willingness (我会说中文). Negate by placing 不 before the modal, not before the main verb. It carries 13 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.
三方将在下个月会面，以解决____下的分歧。
The three parties will meet next month to work out remaining differences.
Common Confusions with 余
Same pronunciation and meaning, but different forms.
Which one
Which one means “(archaic) I”?
Usage Notes for 余
The character 余 can express both a surname and a concept of surplus. Context is crucial to understanding its meaning.
在数学中，余数是指除法运算的剩余部分。
In mathematics, the remainder refers to the surplus part of a division operation.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在数学中，____数是指除法运算的剩余部分。
In mathematics, the remainder refers to the surplus part of a division operation.
Example Sentences for 余 (10)
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Word Family of 余
Characters with 余
What does 除 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 余
余 (yú) and 餘 (yú) are variants of the same character, with 余 being more commonly used in simplified Chinese. Both characters carry similar meanings related to surplus or remainder, but 餘 is primarily used in traditional Chinese contexts.
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