Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
甪lù(Lu4)
The character 甪 (lù) primarily functions as a surname in Chinese, most commonly associated with the Lu family. It can also refer to certain place names in China, which may carry historical or cultural significance. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more relevant in specific contexts like genealogy or geography.
Strokes6Radical用Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The surname 甪 can be linked to various historical figures within Chinese history, and many surnames carry tales of ancestry and lineage that are important in Chinese culture, reflecting the significance of family heritage.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'lu' (like 'loo') where a family of ducks (the radical for water, 水, is present) gathers. The ducks, all named Lu, quack about their heritage, making the surname memorable and the connection to water vivid.
Meanings of 甪
lù(Lu4)
1surname
2place name
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 甪
甪Simplified
6Strokes
用Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 甪
Podcast: 甪
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 甪
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'lu' (like 'loo') where a family of ducks (the radical for water, 水, is present) gathers. The ducks, all named Lu, quack about their heritage, making the surname memorable and the connection to water vivid.
Usage Notes
The character 甪 is quite rare and mainly used in formal contexts related to surnames or specific locations. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with more common characters that sound similar, such as 陆 (lù), which means 'land'.
HSK Study Tips
While 甪 is not included in the HSK levels, students at HSK 1-3 should focus on learning more frequently used surnames and place names. This character can be a good example of how names can have historical roots in Chinese culture.
Cultural Note
The surname 甪 can be linked to various historical figures within Chinese history, and many surnames carry tales of ancestry and lineage that are important in Chinese culture, reflecting the significance of family heritage.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 甪 with similar-sounding characters like 陆 (lù), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '陆姓' instead of '甪姓' when referring to the surname Lu.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 甪
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 甪 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 甪 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 甪
🏮Cultural insight
The surname 甪 can be linked to various historical figures within Chinese history, and many surnames carry tales of ancestry and lineage that are important in Chinese culture, reflecting the significance of family heritage.
Word Family of 甪
Words Containing This Character1
甪lùsurname Lu
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 甪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 甪
No, 甪 is a rare surname in China compared to more common surnames like Wang or Zhang.
It is pronounced as 'lù', with a falling tone.
It's not commonly used in everyday conversation; it's primarily relevant in genealogical or geographic contexts.