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缕 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
缕
lǚ
strand, thread; detailed, precise
HSK 7, q, 12 strokes, radical 纟, rank #15983, Very Hard
缕
lǚ
in detail
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 纟, rank #15983, Very Hard
缕
lǚ
classifier for wisps (of smoke, mist or vapor), strands, locks (of hair)
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 纟, rank #15983, Very Hard
缕
lǚ
strand, thread; detailed, precise
HSK 7, q, 12 strokes, radical 纟, rank #15983, Very Hard
缕
lǚ
in detail
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 纟, rank #15983, Very Hard
缕
lǚ
classifier for wisps (of smoke, mist or vapor), strands, locks (of hair)
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 纟, rank #15983, Very Hard
lǚ(lv3)lv
primary
T3
1strand, thread; detailed, precise
2in detail
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
缕(縷)lǚ(lv3)
The character 缕 (lǚ) primarily refers to a strand or thread, often used in contexts involving thin, delicate items like hair or fibers. It can also indicate something that is detailed or precise, often used to describe explanations or descriptions that are thorough and meticulous.
Strokes12Radical纟Frequency#15983DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of weaving and threads is deeply symbolic, often associated with the intricate nature of relationships and storytelling, as seen in crafts like silk weaving.
Memory tip
Imagine a delicate thread being carefully woven into fabric, representing precision and detail. The character 缕 looks like a 'thread' being pulled and twisted, and its pronunciation 'lǚ' sounds like 'loo', which can remind you of 'looping' thread through fabric.
Meanings of 缕
lǚ(lv3)
primary
1strand, thread; detailed, precise
2in detail
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 缕 means.
About 缕
缕Simplified
縷Traditional
12Strokes
纟Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 缕
Podcast: 缕
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AI study notes for 缕
Quick Contrast
丝 (sī) refers specifically to silk or fine threads, while 缕 (lǚ) emphasizes the concept of strands or threads in a more general or delicate sense.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 缕 with similar characters, so it's important to focus on its specific meaning related to strands or details. It is more commonly used in written Chinese than in spoken contexts, making it more formal. Be mindful of the fourth tone (lǚ) to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 缕 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other words related to threads and details that may appear in advanced levels. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in literature and formal writing.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 缕 in informal conversation, where simpler words like '条' (tiáo) might be more appropriate. For example, saying '我有很多缕头发' (I have many strands of hair) is overly formal; instead, use '条头发'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 缕
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How well do you know 缕?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 缕 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.
缕 = 纟 + 娄. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 缕
IDS Structure⿰纟娄
缕Full character
=
纟si1
left
娄Lou2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 缕?
How to say strand, thread; detailed, precise in Chinese
“strand, thread; detailed, precise” in Chinese is缕lǚ
The character 缕 (lǚ) primarily refers to a strand or thread, often used in contexts involving thin, delicate items like hair or fibers. It can also indicate something that is detailed or precise, often used to describe explanations or descriptions that are thorough and meticulous.
When to use 缕
Learners often confuse 缕 with similar characters, so it's important to focus on its specific meaning related to strands or details. It is more commonly used in written Chinese than in spoken contexts, making it more formal. Be mindful of the fourth tone (lǚ) to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.
缕 or something close to it
丝 (sī) refers specifically to silk or fine threads, while 缕 (lǚ) emphasizes the concept of strands or threads in a more general or delicate sense.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 缕 in informal conversation, where simpler words like '条' (tiáo) might be more appropriate. For example, saying '我有很多缕头发' (I have many strands of hair) is overly formal; instead, use '条头发'.
Write 缕
缕
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Practice writing 缕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 缕
缕 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
萨拉抬起手来开始用手指缠绕一____头发。
Sarah lifted her hand and started twirling a strand of hair.
